Inspirational hero raises nearly £200,000 for coronavirus charities while fasting

100-year-old Dabirul Islam Choudhury has raised nearly £200,000 for coronavirus charities while also fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

The inspirational hero from St. Albans, set a challenge to walk 100-laps of a communal garden while fasting during Ramadan and raise money for people affected by coronavirus. His incredible effort comes to a close this weekend as the Muslim community prepares to celebrate Eid.

British Muslim centenarian Dabirul intially set a target to raise £1,000 for over twenty different charities which help people affected by coronavirus in the UK and Bangladesh, and those delivering aid to refugees in Syria, Yemen, and Palestine.

His JustGiving page has raised a staggering £189,000 for the Ramadan Family Commitment (RFC) Covid-19 crisis initiative which is organised by British-Bangladeshi television broadcaster Channel S. The current figure is racing towards the £200,000 mark.

The new leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, called Dabirul’s efforts “incredible” and added, “He is an inspiration to us all.”

Dabirul has been deeply humbled and moved by the response from the public and he offered his sincere thanks to his supporters:

“A humongous THANK YOU to everyone who has donated and continues to donate. Thank you all for your incredible generosity in supporting this amazing historical fundraising campaign.

“We have proved that we can stand hand to hand and shoulder to shoulder during the most unprecedented time of our lives.”

Dabirul also sent out a congratulation to Captain Tom for raising money for the NHS and on his recent knighthood:

“I would like to congratulate Captain Sir Thomas Moore for being knighted for his exemplary efforts to raise funds for our NHS.”

He added:

“I’m not fighting alone to put a smile on the faces of hungry children, we are fighting together.”

Dabirul has been fundraising for the entire month of Ramadan which means his challenge to walk the 100-laps was even more challenging because he fasts from dawn until dusk without food or drink.

He has shown real grit and determination and continued with his challenge despite the recent hot weather.

Citing his Islamic faith forms an integral part of his daily life which inspires him to reach out and help others, he has said he will carry on fasting and observing regular prayers as Ramadan comes to a close and the Muslim community looks forward to Eid.

Dabirul said, “We are ONE in this pandemic – together we will unite and fight this. Dabirul Choudhury is honoured to serve, and will continue fiercely to fight for COVID-19 victims.”

Donations to Dabirul Islam Choudhury’s JustGiving page can be made here.