Silence please!

Now, not talking for an entire day would be difficult for anyone. But for the super-talkative Jim, many believed it would be impossible.

He proved us all wrong though: he lasted the entire day without making a sound. Looking back on his day of silence, Jim has this to say:

“I have to admit it was really tough, considering I’m such a talker! To stay silent all day while working made it so much harder.

The deck of cards

“Thanks to my wonderful sister Aoife, who printed me out some practical flash cards, I was able to communicate with people without talking. I even had a card that said ‘€1.50 please.’ That came in handy when I had to buy a bus ticket in the morning.

“In work, I could rely on email, text and my notebook to ensure I could still do my job. A favourite flash card said ‘Ask Justin’ (my boss).

The line of comedians

“It had been decided that laughing was breaking the silence, so naturally I had all the comedians here lining up to try to break me. The IT guys were particularly ruthless. They even closed the door to block any attempt at escape. I had a card saying ‘Hahahahahaha’, but that’s little consolation when you’re fit to burst!

"But the closest call I had was in the evening, when my lovely wife Elaine called from the kitchen to ask if I wanted a nice cup of tea. I just about stopped a grateful and tired reply of 'yes please.'

Making a difference

“Although I was proud of my own determination, the most fulfilling thing was knowing where the money I raised was going. I’m lucky to have met some of the people we work with in Bangladesh, where I saw how we can make a difference for hungry and impoverished people.”

The Fast, without fasting

Jim’s story is a great example of how, to take part in the Fast, you don’t necessarily have to give up food. Every year, people taking part engage in all sorts of fundraising activities.

Some people dye their hair, some shave their head. Some give up speaking, some unicycle to work with cabbages balanced on their head. Well, nobody has done that last one, but you get the idea.

Have you decided how you’re going to fundraise yet? Have a look at our list of fundraising ideas.