Pictured: Staff that took part in the 'Fast for a Day' challenge, before their evening meal.
Staff from East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust took part in the multi-faith “I’m not a Muslim but I will fast for one day” challenge on 21 May, to raise money for the hospital’s charity, ELHT&Me.
The event, held in collaboration with One Voice, was an opportunity for staff from all backgrounds to experience fasting, a practice thousands of Muslims across East Lancashire will be taking part in during the holy month of Ramadan. Healthy, adult Muslims are expected to forgo all food and drink between sunrise and sunset, for thirty days.
The ELHT challenge was organised by staff from the Finance and Learning departments, and gave staff the option of completing a full fast, a ‘half fast’ (eating and drinking until midday, and fasting until the evening meal), or drinking liquids only until the evening meal. The event culminated in an evening meal at sunset, approximately 9:15pm, held on the Royal Blackburn Hospital site. Food at the evening meal was prepared by Farzana and Akhlaq Hussain, who both work for the Trust in the Facilities and Finance departments, respectively.
“We were so pleased to see how many people participated in this year’s fasting challenge, over 20 staff took part and attended the evening meal”, said Akhlaq. “This was a great opportunity for staff to share the experience of Muslim colleagues and patients, as well as raise money for the Trust’s charity.”
Sue Lang, Pre-Employment Coordinator for ELHT, said “The challenge was a success again this year and it was lovely to see staff from across the Trust enjoy the evening meal together. Special thanks have to be given to Farazana Hussain, who prepared the food for us all – it was absolutely delicious!”
Denise Gee, Fundraising Manager for ELHT&Me, said “We are delighted that staff got involved in the fasting challenge to raise money for ELHT&Me. Events like this are a great way to gather people from all faiths and cultural backgrounds to share in a unique experience, whilst raising money for a great cause.
“I would encourage any staff who are interested in holding a fundraising event, however unique their idea, to contact the Fundraising Team by emailing fundraising@elht.nhs.uk, to see how we can help.”