Fast for funds

Geography students and staff at Edge Hill University are spearheading a fasting campaign to raise much-needed funds for the East African Crisis Appeal.

More than 13 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and the newly-formed Republic of South Sudan have been left in need of food, water and emergency healthcare because of one of the worst droughts in 60 years. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled Somalia due to the drought and conflict; parts of the country are now afflicted by famine.

In empathy with those suffering in East Africa, the University's Natural, Geographical and Applied Sciences department decided they wanted to help those affected. They came up with the fitting idea to go without food and water during daylight hours to raise money for those in need.

Based on the Muslim tradition, those who participate will not be able to eat or drink between sunrise and sunset during the campaign week, which will run from 28^th November to 3^rd December.

Dr Tasleem Shakur, an Edge Hill Senior Lecturer in Natural, Geographical and Applied Sciences, said: "In geography we are very humanitarian and after seeing the plight of the people in East Africa we wanted to help. Those countries are in desperate need of food and water so it is important that we can support them, in particular for the women and children who are most vulnerable to this crisis. I have raised funds through fasting before and last year did this for the Pakistan flood victims with some of our generous students. It was such a success that we decided to host a similar initiative this year and we hope that people will give generously to our campaign."

One of the Geography students taking part in the fasting is Nye O'Neil. He said: "So many people in this country complain that they are 'starving' yet in East Africa some of these people don't eat for days because they are suffering from the droughts. These people really are going hungry and need attention, so we want to do what we can to help them."

Anyone who would like to take part in the event and raise sponsorship should contact Taz on 01695 584551 or email shakurt@edgehill.ac.uk.

Please note that anybody wishing to take part who has any health concerns should consult their doctor first before committing to the event.