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I’m from a dual heritage family - my mum’s family is from Ireland, my dad was born in Pakistan and I’m the youngest of four children.
It’s a really open household but during #Ramadan we will all eat together when it comes time to breaking the fast and my family are really supportive of me and will try to pray with me. My dad’s motto has always been, a family that eat together stays together.
I joined the police at around the same time as my older brother and I have to admit there is a bit of healthy competition between us - it’s always nice to have someone to bounce off. My other brother has now joined too so we are a real band of brothers.
I’m a response officer which means I work shifts and respond to 999 calls and emergency incidents. I’ve been racially abused several times when at incidents and it hurts because I want to say ‘I’m just the same as you’.
Response work is fast paced, which throughout Ramadan can be mentally and physically draining.
However, my team and sergeant are so understanding. My team have said they will be fasting with me which really means a lot and my sergeant has made sure that I’m fit to do my duties throughout Ramadan by tweaking my shifts.
It doesn’t stop me doing my job it just means I have to be prepared and I will have snacks or water in my police car just in case. I remember one time I was called to a burglary in progress when I needed to open my fast. I was searching for a suspect in gardens and just took a sip of water at the time I needed to and carried on.
I think fasting and experiencing hunger humbles you and encourages you to support people. It makes you appreciate what you’ve got. It makes you appreciate how lucky you are to have food on the table every day.
Luke Syed Shah | Response Officer
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