Southsea restaurant holds fundraiser for Pompey in the Community

The Akash Indian Cuisine Restaurant, in Albert Road, Southsea, held the event to raise money for the independent charity Portsmouth in the Community, which is associated with Portsmouth FC.

Faz Ahmed’s family have been running the restaurant for nearly 40 years and he said they were great supporters of the football club and the charity.

He said: ‘We were really excited to be holding a charity evening for Portsmouth in the Community. It does amazing work for the community that really touches my heart.’

Guests were treated to an evening of entertainment and glamour, coordinated by the donated services of Zest Events.

An array of dishes was served, and there was also a raffle and auction, with many donated prizes from places such as The Kings Theatre, The London Camera Exchange, Aqua Cars, The Ink Doctor Tattoo Studio, Portsmouth High School, and The Marmion Inn.

There were also performances by bongo drummers Drum Nation and Bollywood dancers from the University of Portsmouth.

Mr Ahmed said: ‘Everyone was up and dancing, the support was amazing.

‘When you’ve got the power and resources you might as well use it to do something good.’

They also took the time to celebrate the eighth birthday of Keira Harvey.

Her family have been going to the Akash for nearly 20 years and have formed a close friendship with everyone there.

Her mother, Lorraine, has recently been undergoing treatment for cancer, so it was arranged for saxophonist Ian Thomas and the whole restaurant to sing happy birthday to Keira.

The next fundraising event at the restaurant is at 7pm tonight in aid of Unloc, which is trying to help young Rwandans seek solutions to community problems.

Tickets are £13.85 and include food.

For more information and to buy tickets go to eventbrite.co.uk.