LAHORE: The fifth Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCHRC) ‘Festival of Life’ was held at Shaukat Khanum Hospital on Sunday in collaboration with Friends of Shaukat Khanum. A large number of people from various walks of lives visited the event. Renowned actor Hamza Ali Abbasi, Faisal Rehman, Singer Uzair Jaswal and Ali Sher visited the event. The enthusiast performances of Quadrum, singer Ali Sher and SKMCH cancer survivor youngsters enthralled the audience. The event was aimed at raising awareness as well as funds for the projects of SKMCH as well all proceeds raised from the festival will be utilized for treatment of underprivileged cancer patients. The festival included a fashion lounge where more than 50 designers and brands including Maria B, Sara Shahid, Maheen Kardar and many others, donated their clothes with event attendees able to purchase these brands at up to 70 percent discount. Whereas food court, children’s play area, mini golf were also present on occasion for participants. Speaking about the festival, one of the organisers, Faisal Sultan, said that the reason behind the holding of such activities was that hospital considers it its duty to reach out to those in need and spread happiness. That is why Shaukat Khanum Hospital always organised such events for awareness and charity. While addressing the event, Hamza Ali Abbasi urged people to continuously donate money to Shaukat Khanum as the hospital was widening its horizons to Peshawar and Karachi. “More than 10 more such hospitals are required across the country and this cannot be done without the support of people,” he said. He said that he visited the event to motivate people to donate to the hospital as he did it on monthly basis. Rubina Chaudhry said that there was no best gift than life and we should celebrate it. “We should become a ray hope for others. It will change our life,” she said. She also urged people to donate to save lives of those who could not afford it. Published in Daily Times, February 19th 2018.