'Starvation' lunch raises funds for Albanian development charity 

Instead of their usual Sunday lunch, attendees at Leigh Road Baptist Church enjoyed a simple meal of soup and a roll, donating what they would have spent on food to help fund Tek Ura

The church hosted the lunch after its morning worship gathering on 2 March, and raised more than £300 in support of Tek Ura, a community-focused charity working in Albania.

The lunch, organised by Tanya Pain, was well attended, with a lively and generous atmosphere.

Steve Green’s homemade soup proved particularly popular, and the event space was decorated with Albanian flags, reinforcing the connection to the community being supported.

Alongside the meal, attendees heard an update on Tek Ura’s latest initiatives, highlighting the difference their donations will make.

Founded in 2016, Tek Ura is an Albanian development charity dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged and marginalised communities. Its holistic approach includes:

• Community Centres and Learning Hubs: Serving as ‘bridges’ to holistic missions in areas of social deprivation, these centres promote community cohesion and provide support services. 
• Health Services: Offering physiotherapy and health services to those who cannot afford them, addressing critical healthcare needs. 
• Education and Training: Expanding educational programmes such as Albanian literacy lessons, preschool initiatives, and parenting programmes to empower individuals and families. 

Event organiser Tanya said, ' It was wonderful to see so many people come together to support Tek Ura in this way.

'A huge thank you to everyone who contributed—we’re thrilled with the amount raised and the generosity shown. Every penny will help make a real difference.'