Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Chief Executive and members of staff have observed a day of fasting, in a show of solidarity with their Muslim colleagues during Ramadan.

Chief Executive Denise Park took part in the challenge on Tuesday, March 28, for the third time to support Muslim and non-Muslim colleagues fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

‘I’m Not a Muslim But I’ll Fast For One Day’ is a project by One Voice Blackburn, a charity that aims to raise awareness of key health issues, empower people within the community and develop cohesive communities.

Now in its ninth year, it sees members of the public, organisations and One Voice members take part to fast for a day during Ramadan.

The campaign has received a number of awards since its inception including an Excellence Award at the Inclusive Companies Awards.

Last year hundreds of people took part, and already this year many have signed up to fast including radio host Graham Liver.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Chief Executive Denise Park took part alongside staff across the council.

Denise said: “This is my third year taking part to help my own understanding of the significance of this time of year for Muslim colleagues and friends.

“Fasting alongside my Muslim colleagues is important, particularly at a time when they would otherwise be spending time with family and friends.

“Opportunities such as this can help us to understand more about the beliefs and practices of people from different cultural and religious backgrounds to our own, to help our community to be more accepting, tolerant, and welcoming – and ultimately stronger."

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Denise added: “I think it’s a fantastic show of support for our fasting colleagues and to our residents that so many people are taking part this year.”

Sundas Bakhat, Marketing Lead at One Voice Blackburn, said: “We are now in the ninth year of the project and it is a privilege to have so many people from across the borough joining the fast to show solidarity with their Muslim colleagues.

“My thanks go to Denise and colleagues at the Council for their ongoing support.

“It truly shows the community spirit and respect between faiths and cultures in our unique town.

“The project has grown each year and has won a number of awards.

“This has only been possible thanks to the understanding and integration of our non-Muslim friends in Blackburn with Darwen.”

Anyone who’d like to get involved in the campaign during Ramadan can get in touch with One Voice Blackburn by emailing: info@1vblackburn.org