Internet connected leads to a new life

Just over a year ago a computer somewhere on the planet sent an automatic e-mail to Phil Rashid in Westlea and Maria Ithnin in Malaysia suggesting they had something in common. Eleven months later they were married and Phil is preparing to leave Britain for a new life in the Far East.

Phil, 50 at the end of January, well known in West Swindon as a candidate in local elections, had registered his details on www.muslimmatch.com

He had been getting messages from women all over the Muslim world and his interest was waning when details about Maria arrived. "When I put my details on the web I was sceptical that anything would come of it and a bit worried that I might not be considered devout enough," said Phil. "Maria stood out by a mile. I wanted to know more about this independent, single, practising Muslim who listed her favourite singer as Bruce Springsteen and liked the Beatles, John Travolta and Nicholas Cage. I was also intrigued that Maria did not wear the hijab (head scarf) and her family had allowed her to make her own decisions about marriage."

Maria, 45, is an event organiser at a golf resort in Johore and enjoys keep fit, golf, going out with friends and visiting her family who live closeby or across the border on Singapore Island. She too had become disheartened by e-mails from men in Pakistan, Algeria and Saudi Arabia, but also wanted to know more about Phil. However she was a little surprised by his enthusiastic interest. "I thought I would send him an e-mail just for fun and see what happened. It was clear from the start he was keen about developing a relationship. After a month of sending each other messages I suggested he come to Malaysia to see if we were serious about each other."

Phil made a ten day trip in March. He said, "She was a radiant vision in a bright red blouse and sarong waiting in the airport." Maria is quite blunt about their first meeting. "It was a bit of a shock. I was looking for John Travolta but I was faced with this fat guy."

Nevertheless the visit went well, including meeting Maria's parents and her large family. A few weeks after Phil returned the couple decided they would marry, although Maria had to persuade her mother that marrying an Englishman was a good idea. Her father was happy that she make the choice providing Phil continued to be a good Muslim.

Maria set two conditions: that she did not have to leave her family, which meant Phil moving to Malaysia, and that he lose at least 25lbs in weight by their wedding day. However having enjoyed wonderful food, Phil was heavier than ever.

The date was set for 3 January and Maria threw herself into preparations. "Even though we had agreed to marry, Phil was so far away and I wasn't sure he would turn up so I only sent out the wedding invitations after his arrival on 18 December," said Maria.

The ceremony took place in her house and the reception was attended by over 400 family and friends. The couple flew back to Swindon in early-January and Maria is discovering the tourist attractions locally and further afield. They go back to Malaysia in mid-February where she returns to her job; Phil is considering his options. He hopes to complete an English teaching course before he goes, but is also thinking about starting a business.

One thing they will be doing together, sorting out a fitness programme before Phil's weight gets out of hand.