Mia Farrow: Ends Darfur hunger strike

Mia Farrow: Ends Darfur hunger strike

American actress and singer Mia Farrow, who is notable for her extensive humanitarian work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, was on hunger strike to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan's embattled Darfur region.

The 64 year old Mia Farrow, who went without food but drank only water, ended her 12-day hunger strike on Friday after being advised by the doctor.

In a statement posted on her website the actress said, "I have been instructed by my doctor to stop my fast immediately due to health concerns".

British tycoon Sir Richard Branson said that he would take over Farrow's fast for three days in a gesture of solidarity with the humanitarian activist.

Farrow said that she expects other famous persons would step forward to fast for Darfur until humanitarian agencies expelled from the region in March were readmitted.

In a statement, Sir Richard Branson said, "I'm honored to be taking over the fast for the next three days from Mia Farrow in her courageous stance to support the people of Darfur. I was humbled and inspired by the courage of the Darfuri people and the commitment of the aid organizations that were working on the frontlines. We cannot stand and watch as one million people suffer. We all need to stand up and demand that international aid is restored and that the people of Darfur are protected and given the chance to live in peace".

The United Nations declared that 300,000 people have died -- many of them from disease and hunger and 2.7 million have been made homeless by the Darfur conflict, which erupted in 2003.