Father takes on Ramadan charity cycle challenge

A father of four aims to cycle 280 miles (450km) while fasting during the month of Ramadan to raise money for charity.

Shahid Akhtar, from Rainworth, Nottinghamshire, said he hoped to cycle about nine miles (15km) every day before breaking his fast at sunset.

He said the task had been made more difficult by a foot injury he sustained from running, but he was determined to raise £5,000 for Charity Right - a group that provides meals to schoolchildren in neglected parts of the world, including people in Gaza.

The 52-year-old said: "I find Ramadan to be such a rewarding month, and doing a challenge to help those not as fortunate as myself is challenging but very satisfying."

Ramadan began in England on 1 March after the sighting of the crescent moon, and is due to end on 30 March, followed by Eid al-Fitr, the "festival of breaking the fast".

During the month, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours.

Mr Akhtar said he was passionate about running and over the past two years had completed charity running challenges whilst fasting during Ramadan, which he described as "pretty challenging".

"My hope was to do the same this year but it wasn't possible because to my foot injury, Plantar Fasciitis," he said.

"I had given up on doing a challenge as I was pretty immobile, but I made a last-minute decision to attempt a cycling challenge."

Mr Akhtar said although he was only an occasional rider and had not trained for the challenge due to his injury, he had made good progress totalling more than 135km since starting on 2 March.

"It's really challenging as I have been fasting all day without food or water," he said.

"Some days I have felt pretty drained, but after breaking the fast the energy levels start to increase, and that first sip of water always tastes fantastic."

He said it was a mental challenge as well as physical to push himself each day, but he was hopeful "my mental strength and general fitness will get me through".

"My motivation is that I am doing something positive that will benefit those in need in Gaza," he said.

"Thankfully my foot has not reacted too badly to cycling.

"I do a recovery session in the evenings by refuelling and rehydrating, and physio and stretches so I can go again the next day.

"I am not a regular cyclist but so far I am enjoying the rides."

Mr Akhtar, who has so far raised more than £1,460 for Charity Right, added he was grateful for the "kind and generous" donations.

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