A FRIEND of kidnapped aid worker Alan Henning has spoken about what inspired the cabbie to go to Syria.

Ahead of two further vigils last night for Mr Henning, who was captured after travelling from Bolton to Syria last December, Sadia Jameel said the dad-of-two started out helping to pack the ambulances in Bolton — but soon wanted to do more.

Mrs Jameel, wife of Kasim Jameel, who was with the 47-year-old on his last convoy mission, said: “Alan — or Gadget as we call him — is not only a close friend, but is like a brother to me.

He is always there when I need him, “He is the father of two teenagers who think the world of him, and he is a loving, devoted husband, an awesome brother, an amazing, devoted uncle and everyone’s best friend.

“It all started with Alan packing the ambulances for the convoys to Syria. But as more and more convoys went, Alan wanted to get more involved.”

Two vigils were held for 47-year-old Mr Henning last night in his home town of Eccles. They followed vigils last week in Little lever and Bolton.

People gathered at Eccles Town Hall at 6pm and at 8pm at Eccles Recreational Ground.

Mrs Jameel, from Farnworth, added: “Alan was seeing the unfolding crisis on the news and felt the world wasn’t doing enough. He took part in the next three convoys and drove ambulances packed with aid for Syria.

“It would take over a week to get to Syria and there were no facilities, no time to shower or time to sleep. But this did not put him off.

“In fact, it made him even more determined to continue as he said these sacrifices were nothing compared to those the Syrian people have to face.

“He sacrificed his Christmas last year with his family and left the luxuries of home behind to drive 12 to 15 hours a day in an ambulance.

“He did all this so he could make a difference.

“God willing, he will be back safe and sound.”

Last week, Muslims of the North of England issued a statement in support of Mr Henning, who was captured in Syria last December by Islamic State militants.

His wife Barbara also called for the militant group to “open their hearts and minds” and release the former taxi driver after she received an audio file of him begging for his life.