A Watford man has spoken of his pride after completing a 30 day fast in memory of a cherished friend and colleague.

Twenty-two-year-old Alex Prentice, who is not a Muslim, successfully negotiated the holly month of Ramadan in honour of his former friend Gulam Habib, who died suddenly in November last year.

He went without food or drink during daylight hours for four weeks and raised more than £1,000 for charity in the process.

Mr Prentice, of Grosvenor Road, explained: “Gulam was a Muslim and used to observe Ramadam. He was always challenging me to do it with him but I never got the chance when he was alive.

“So this year I decided to do it in his memory. It’s been a great experience and his family and friends have been a huge support to me. I’ve visited them a few times to break fast and they really appreciated what I was doing.

“I started on July 29 and it has been very hard. I was alright for the first few days but since then it has been more difficult. It can make you feel very lethargic but it does make you appreciate what you have got when you finally get to eat at the end of the day.

“I am very proud that I got to the end of it and think Gulam would have been proud as well. I had hoped to raise £100 for his favourite charity the NSPCC but have already more than £1,000. The response from people has been fantastic.”

Mr Prentice, who celebrated the final day of his fast yesterday, said he had gained a great deal of respect of the Islamic faith but stressed he was unlikely to take up the challenge again.

He added: “It was definitely a one off. Not having any food made me a bit grumpy and I really think that my other half would leave me if I did it again.”