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A Diwali fund-raising dinner is being held in Coventry tonight in support of suspended heart specialist Dr Raj Mattu.
The event aims to raise up to £3,000 to help keep the consultant's self-referral clinic running in Foleshill.
Everyone is welcome at the function at Mercia Park Leisure Centre, in Lock-hurst Lane, from 7pm.
Davinder Prasad, who helped organise the event, says it aims to reflect the community's support for Dr Mattu and the importance of his work continuing.
He said: "We hold Diwali every year but this is the first time the Asian community and various groups have dedicated the evening to Dr Mattu because sentiments are so high and people's feelings are so strong.
"He's providing such an excellent service to the community. He's shown responsibility when he could have so easily stayed at home.
"He's so popular that there is a three-month waiting list to see him."
Dr Mattu was suspended from Walsgrave Hospital seven months ago after allegations of bullying.
He set up a weekly health and heart clinic at St Paul's Church community hall, in Foleshill Road, where he has seen hundreds of patients.
Mr Prasad is critical of the reasons for Dr Mattu's suspension and says it is vital the cardiologist returns to his post as soon as possible.
He said: "It doesn't make sense. People are not stupid about the so-called allegations against him. He has courage and believes in the welfare of his patients and the community.
"We held a similar charity event at St Paul's Church in August and raised about £1,500 for Dr Mattu's clinic.
"We hope to raise a lot more with this one."
Tickets cost £10 and are available on the door.
Most of the proceeds will go towards funds for Dr Mattu's clinic, with the rest going towards a charity for deprived children in India.
