A TASTE of life without food was on the menu for some members of the Redditch community last Saturday.
Friends, supporters and members of the town’s Labour group joined – for one day only – with the Muslim community which annually holds a month-long fast from sunrise to sundown to mark their holy time of Ramadan.
And a tough task it proved to be with the volunteers abstaining from all food and drink and smoking from 3.30am to 8.49pm.
In the process they also raised £554 which will go towards Redditch Central Mosque’s Covid-19 community support fund.
Steph Jones, reflecting on the day, said: “I had a day of thinking, napping and reading which ended with a lovely home cooked Indian meal delivered to my door.
“Food and water have never tasted so good!
“Makes you realise that for some hunger and thirst doesn’t end after 18 hours so another time to check my privilege.”
Borough councillors and husband and wife Greg and Debbie Chance also fasted.
Greg said: “Going through the highs and lows of fasting has taught me many things.
“Firstly how lucky I am to have food to eat and the love and support of many people, but secondly that what hungry people really need as well as food is love and hope.
“I chose to go hungry and thirsty. Tonight, many people in the world will not have that choice.”
Debbie added: “it was a privilege to get a glimpse of and be part of such a loving and caring community.
“Thank you to all who donated so the Redditch Mosque so they can continue with their work in the community supporting residents.
“The sense of community I experienced was awe-inspiring.”
Raf Hussain of Redditch Central Masjid E Noor added: “The spirit of Ramadan and the Redditch Mosque Trust’s welfare project is ‘serve humanity’ to help those less fortunate or in need, no matter who, and I’m grateful of you all for setting this example through your commitment and accomplishments.
“Together with our resolve, we can overcome this or any other crisis.”
Anyone who needs assistance can contact the mosque by texting 07312 000070.
Party member Sharon Harvey kept a video diary of the day.
Discover all about her craving for tea and how a glass of water at the end of the day ‘is the best drink ever’ by visiting her Facebook page.
