Staff at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust have come together during Ramadan to observe a day of fasting in solidarity with their Muslim colleagues, patients and service-users.

It was for the initiative, Share Ramadan, which aims to promote better awareness of Islam and build cultural cohesion within communities, while raising money for charity and other worthwhile causes.

In partnership with Our Bolton NHS Charity, the Trust has exciting plans to relocate and refurbish the prayer and faith facilities at the Royal Bolton Hospital for the benefit of staff, patients and their families.

The new facilities will include a mosque, temple and community space suitable for meetings and events.

Thanks to a grant from NHS Charities Together and other donations, Our Bolton NHS Charity already has more than £100,000 allocated to this project. However, more is needed to make these exciting plans a reality.

‘Celebrating diversity’

Abdul Goni, Charity Engagement Coordinator said:

Events like Share Ramadan, encourage discussion, empathy and understanding and allow us to celebrate the diversity of our workforce and the local communities we serve.

It has been wonderful to see Muslim colleagues and those of other or no faith fasting in unison and making a tangible difference to patients and their families.

Thank you to everyone who participated and donated.

Muslim colleagues and those participating in Share Ramadan were invited to a socially-distanced event to break their fast together at 8.34pm.

Iftar packs consisting of Medjool dates, water, bread, hummus and fresh fruit were handed out to those in attendance and boxes of dates – funded by Our Bolton NHS Charity – were distributed to teams across the Trust so everyone could experience Share Ramadan in some way.

Sarah Skinner, Our Bolton NHS Charity Manager said:

Share Ramadan has been challenging and enlightening, but I’m really glad to have been a part of it.

It has given me renewed respect and admiration for my Muslim colleagues who continue to provide the highest standard of care to patients while observing Ramadan with such grace and commitment.

If you would like to support Share Ramadan and contribute to the enhancement of faith and prayer facilities at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, please text FAST to 70580 to donate £5. Texts cost £5 plus one standard massage rate and will appear on your bill or be deducted from your credit.