Ramadan Centenarian Fundraiser
1388. Dabirul Choudhury
Dabirul Choudhury, from St Albans, is a centenarian who walked 100 laps of his communal garden, while fasting for Ramadan, raising more than £225,000 for Ramadan Family Commitment.
Dabirul was inspired by the fundraising of Captain Sir Tom Moore to launch his own appeal, coinciding with the Islamic holy month. The donations from Dabirul’s fundraiser will go towards supporting victims of the pandemic in the UK, Bangladesh and over 50 countries around the world, helping vulnerable families living in poor, remote areas who have been struggling to access food as a result of lockdown restrictions.
In a personal letter to Dabirul, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Congratulations on becoming the UK’s 1388th Point of Light and the twenty-eighth honouree in this special series of awards to recognise those who are serving our communities as we battle against Coronavirus.
“Your story has captured the hearts and imaginations of the nation. So on behalf of the whole country, allow me to express our collective admiration for you – as the centenarian who walked a century of laps of your garden to raise more than £200,000 while fasting for Ramadan.
“Your endeavour is helping to support those affected by Coronavirus both here in the UK and in Bangladesh and it is a wonderfully uplifting example of the very best of Britain.
“I know you were inspired by fellow Point of Light, Captain Sir Tom Moore, and today I am delighted to be able to recognise you as a Point of Light too.”
Dabirul said:
“I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive the Points of Light award from the UK Prime Minister’s office, and also very grateful to Her Majesty The Queen, at the wonderful age of 100!”