The month of Ramadan is a period of fasting, sacrifice, giving, piousness and self-training with the hope that these qualities will extend beyond this month and stay with us throughout the year. Indeed, the essence of fasting in Ramadan is spiritual. Nevertheless, this holy month also offers a number of benefits for both the mind and body

The month of Ramadaan lasts for a duration of 29 or 30 days and this year I am challenging non-Muslims and Muslims (they should be fasting anyway) to fast one full day from sunrise to sunset and abstain from both food and drink. This year fasting will be from around 3am to 9pm each day.

On average, a person will probably spend around £10-£15 (if not more) a day on food/drink and I am asking you to donate this on the day you fast so we can use your donations to buy footballs for community groups and young people - therefore increasing participation and encouraging more people to take up the beautiful game we are all involved in.

I am also encouraging people to make short video clips on their phones during the day and talk about how they are feeling, these will be compiled together to make a short awareness video and showcase our efforts.