Seven non-Muslims have been fasting in solidarity with their British Muslim colleague in Italy.

Amar Abbas is presently in Italy delivering a training course and was the only one fasting due to it being Ramadan.

He was delighted to find his colleagues from different parts of the world wanted to know more about Ramadan and why Muslims fasted.

He said, “It is the first time I am away from family during the month of Ramadan.

“I am so humbled that colleagues from countries across the world joined me in fasting as a form of solidarity.

“It is examples such as this we can use to build bridges between communities and engage in meaningful dialogue. Thank you to my colleagues for their support, it’s been inspiring.”

Tony Heany said, “I am fasting even though I am not Muslim. First of all I wanted to prove I could do it and secondly I saw Amar eating on his own and I thought that doesn’t look very much fun and it would be nice to have a meal with other people.”

Clara Alegre who hails from Spain said, “I am fasting today because Amar is fasting too and I am doing this in solidarity with him.”

Roisin Cathain from Ireland was asked at 1pm how she felt the fast was going. She said, “I feel good.  I was a bit nervous about doing it because I have never done anything like this before. I don’t feel hungry. It actually helps that so many others are doing the fasting.”

Vasiliki Madoulka from Greece said, “Well, I’m feeling a little bit cold but okay. I’m looking forward to dinner!”