The Dawoodi Bohra community across the United Kingdom marked World Cancer Day with a series of campaigns spanning 10 cities, raising vital funds and awareness for cancer patients through its global philanthropic initiative, Project Rise.
From London to Leicester, Bradford to Manchester, community centres mobilised volunteers to host bake sales, cancer awareness talks, and educational sessions designed to encourage early detection and break down barriers to healthcare access. The campaign, developed in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support UK, reflects this year’s World Cancer Day theme, “United by Unique,” which emphasises the individual nature of every cancer journey.
“World Cancer Day is not just a date on the calendar for us. It is a catalyst for long term action.”
Dr Mariyah Esmailji
The 5,000-strong Dawoodi Bohra community in the UK has a notable history of healthcare advocacy, with many members serving as professionals within the NHS. The community has consistently championed preventative care, from diabetes awareness marathons to senior wellness programmes and COVID-19 vaccination drives. This World Cancer Day campaign represents the latest chapter in that commitment.
“By organising cancer awareness programmes simultaneously across our centres nationwide, we were able to create a strong and lasting message within our community and beyond that early action saves lives. Whether through bake sales, educational talks, or engagement with national charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support, our aim is to ensure that every individual feels supported and heard in their health journey,” said Dr Mariyah Esmailji, Consultant Radiologist and Cancer Imaging Specialist.
Medical professionals from within the community delivered targeted talks on the importance of routine screenings, healthy lifestyle choices, and overcoming the stigma that often prevents early diagnosis. These sessions specifically addressed health literacy gaps and cultural barriers that can delay crucial medical intervention. The initiative also featured awareness walks and an upcoming Macmillan Golf Tournament, with all proceeds directed towards supporting patient care services across the UK.
“Witnessing the Dawoodi Bohra community unite around Macmillan fundraising has been both a pleasure and a privilege,” she said. “Your generosity ensures we can continue providing the best cancer care the UK has to offer, whoever and wherever people are.”
Miss Becky Turner-Knowles, Macmillan Cancer Support Representative.
London
In London, community members also organised a Breast Cancer Awareness Programme, with strong participation and open dialogue underscoring the importance of this issue. Over 65 women attended sessions covering breast cancer awareness, early signs, self examination, risk reduction, and access to UK screening services.
Focused discussions on lifestyle and cancer risk encouraged honest conversations around obesity, stress, and mental resilience, supported by practical guidance on nutrition, exercise, and healthy habits. An interactive “Know Your Own Risk” activity and two powerful survivor stories spanning three generations reinforced the importance of awareness, early action, and community support.
The campaign was supported by local councillors, including Councillor Tariq Mahmood and Councillor Dr Aysah Raza, who praised the initiative.
Councillor Mahmood said, “I always look forward to the annual Macmillan bake sale at Mohammedi Park. With so many star bakers, I am spoilt for choice. As it is all for such a good cause, I bought a plate piled high for my family, who thoroughly enjoyed the sweet and savoury treats with chai. Thank you for hosting such a fantastic event.”
In East London, the Dawoodi Bohra community opened the doors of its newly established community centre in Gidea Park for a bake sale. Alongside fundraising and community hospitality, the programme placed strong emphasis on education, featuring cancer awareness talk led by Dr Tasneem Husain Rupawala. Attendees received practical guidance on cancer prevention, early detection, and the support services available through Macmillan, demonstrating the community’s commitment to empowering local residents with knowledge that can save lives.
Bradford
In Bradford, the community hosted a Cancer Awareness Programme and community bake sale, focusing on education, early detection, and fundraising for charitable causes. The programme featured awareness sessions delivered by NHS clinicians and charity representatives, addressing screening, prevention, and the importance of timely medical advice, particularly within diverse communities.
The event was attended by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Fozia Shaheen, alongside NHS professionals and charity representatives.
“As Deputy Lord Mayor, I was honoured to attend this important Cancer Awareness Programme. The Dawoodi Bohras of Bradford are doing fantastic work in raising awareness on vital health issues and bringing communities together. Cancer affects one in two people in the UK, yet early detection can significantly improve survival rates. Community-led initiatives like this play a crucial role in encouraging people to seek advice early and access screening.”
Councillor Fozia Shaheen
Healthcare speakers included Amelia Polasik, Senior Radiographer at Bradford Royal Infirmary; Lindsay Spencer, Colposcopist Nurse at BRI; Janet Daykin, Volunteer with Prostate Cancer UK; and Beverly Hurst, Macmillan Cancer Support Representative and retired Clinical Nurse Specialist. The programme was further supported by consultant clinicians Dr Munira Murtaza Joher, Consultant Histopathologist at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Dr Saifuddin Kassim, Diabetes and Endocrine Consultant at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Leeds.
Reflecting on the event, Amelia Polasik said, “It was a wonderful evening of interaction and education, celebrating the importance of looking after our health and engaging meaningfully with the local community.”
To know more about the impact of this nationwide campaign, click here
Milton Keynes
The Milton Keynes community hosted a fundraising and awareness event, bringing together community members and invited guests in a shared effort to raise awareness and funds for cancer care.
The event was attended by civic leaders including the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Mr James Lancaster, Member of Parliament Ms Emily Darlington, and Councillor Shazna Muzammil.
“I commend the Dawoodi Bohra community for their outstanding efforts under Project Rise. Their commitment to cancer awareness and fundraising is deeply impactful. The initiative was exceptionally well structured and thoughtfully delivered, reflecting the strength of community led action.”
Mayor of Milton Keynes, Mr James Lancaster.
Ms Emily Darlington MP added, “The Dawoodi Bohra community’s efforts in raising awareness and funds for a vital cause are truly commendable. Their ability to bring together the multi faith community of Milton Keynes under one roof reflects the true spirit of unity and shared responsibility.” Councillor Shazna Muzammil also praised the organisers, noting the strong leadership and dedication demonstrated through the high profile nature of the fundraising event.
A key highlight of the programme was the multi-faith community marketplace, featuring fourteen stalls hosted by participants from diverse backgrounds. The stalls offered a wide range of homemade food, snacks, beverages, games, Ramadan gifts, artificial jewellery, handmade artwork, and henna, showcasing creativity and collaboration across the community.
The educational component of the event included specialist cancer awareness talks delivered by Dr Moiz Dungarwalla, Haematology Specialist and Clinical Director for Cancer Services at Milton Keynes NHS Foundation Trust, Ms Emelda Moos, Advanced Clinical Practitioner in Urology at the same trust, and Dr Yasmine Karachiwala, Clinical Oncology Specialist based in London. Together, they provided valuable insights into cancer awareness, early detection, and available support pathways.
The programme also featured an inspiring personal account from cancer survivor Ms Yaseem Kapasi, who shared her journey with attendees, offering hope and encouragement while reinforcing the importance of early diagnosis, resilience, and community support.
Leicester
In Leicester, the Dawoodi Bohra community marked World Cancer Day with cancer awareness talks and a community bake sale, bringing together families, volunteers, and local guests in a shared effort to promote education, early detection, and charitable fundraising. The programme focused on encouraging open conversations around cancer, reducing stigma, and highlighting the importance of seeking medical advice early.
Dr Hozefa Ebrahim, a member of the local Dawoodi Bohra community, said, “Initiatives like this help bring important health conversations into everyday community spaces. By combining education with community participation, we hope to empower individuals with knowledge and ensure they feel supported in taking proactive steps towards their health.”
Birmingham
“World Cancer Day represents a catalyst for sustained action within our community,” said Dr. Yusuf Kaderbhai, a member of the Dawoodi Bohras community in Birmingham. “By activating all our centres simultaneously, we have reached deep into local neighbourhoods with a vital message that early action saves lives. Whether through a bake sale or a screening session, our aim is to ensure every individual feels supported in their health journey.”
Johnny Shah, Director of Your City and Metropolitan Hospitals Charity at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, attended the event and welcomed the community led approach.
He said, “Thank you very much for your kind invitation and hospitality on Saturday. It was a pleasure to be involved in your event.”
Whilst cancer mortality rates in the UK have fallen by over 20% since the 1970s, diagnoses continue to rise. Significant inequalities in access to treatment and support services persist, particularly among minority communities. Community-led programmes play an essential role in bridging these gaps, providing grassroots education and practical support to help individuals navigate their cancer experience.
The Dawoodi Bohra community remains committed to supporting British society through sustained health initiatives, working towards a future where compassionate, accessible healthcare is available to all.