Colleagues at a Preston firm pushed themselves to raise funds for St Catherine’s Hospice as they collectively fasted for a full day during Ramadan.

Staff and contractors across IN4.0 Group joined forces to refrain from eating and drinking in a show of solidarity for workmates who were observing Ramadan.

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They also wanted to show support for the charity which cared for the wife of one of their directors.

Mo Isap, CEO of IN4.0 Group, said: “As a Muslim, Ramadan is a very special time for me, which embodies charity and kindness. As an organisation we make a commitment to supporting charitable causes throughout the year, so it was fantastic that our team was able to experience Ramadan and give such great support to a brilliant charity at the same time.”

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Executive Assistant Laura Cleverley and Social Media Manager Matt Cuerden came up with the idea and led the initiative.

Laura said: “Some of the team were discussing various ways to fundraise whilst still under COVID-19 restrictions and with many people working at home. They agreed that doing a fasting challenge was a perfect fit; part of the spirit of Ramadan is to focus on something besides our own lives and put our problems into perspective.

“It was a company-wide effort and we’re incredibly proud of how eager everyone was to get involved. We woke up, ate and hydrated before 3:30am – with a mixed success for the team getting back to sleep afterwards! – and then were not allowed to consume anything until we broke fast together after sunset.

“Before we fasted, we briefed everybody about the challenges ahead and we distributed a flyer with information and guidance to help mentally prepare people for the fast, so that everyone was aware of what to expect on the day.

“Most of the team found aspects of it difficult; for most it wasn’t the hunger but the lack of energy or dehydration that hit them the hardest. However difficult it was though, the team felt a sense of personal and collective achievement when we enjoyed a drink of water and a bite to eat together at end of the day through a video call, and everybody kept in high spirits throughout the day.

“The experience really brought the team together, not just as a bonding exercise as we fundraised, but it gave people a greater understanding of the different cultures that not only make up IN4.0 Group but surround us in our communities, which was another reason we chose to fast for Ramadan.

“We place a huge emphasis on diversity and inclusion at IN4.0 and part of that is actively learning and where
possible, experiencing other cultures.”

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Matt said: “HOST’s Director of Immersive Technology, Simon Benson, recently experienced the wonderful care of St Catherine’s when his wife Debbie spent her final days in the hospice. We thought raising money for the charity would be a special way to honour Debbie’s memory and show support for Simon.”

The group donated £1,060 to St Catherine’s Hospice.

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