No food or water won’t stop Ramadan fundraiser
For many people, the idea of running 10km is enough of a challenge in itself, so combine it with a 19-hour fast and it becomes an almost implausible concept.
However, one determined fundraiser from Bradford is preparing to do just that later this month as he takes on the Leeds 10K challenge whilst observing the Islamic month of Ramadan.
Nazim Ali will have no food or water from around 3am until 9.15pm on Sunday 12th July, during which time he will have completed the annual city run in the midst of the British summer.
Raising funds for the SKT Welfare charity, it is the second year in a row that the 34-year-old has taken part in the challenge and understands the risk involved.
“Sounds crazy doesn’t it?” Nazim said. “I know the challenge will be both physically and mentally draining as I will have no access to water yet my struggle is nothing in comparison to the plight of the Syrian refugees who I am raising funds for.
“During last year’s run, three people collapsed because of the sheer heat and needed medical attention. I realise my training and diet has to be absolutely spot on.”
In preparation for the event, Nazim has been completing 10-kilometre runs in the evenings, closer to the time of which he breaks fast.
This has allowed him to eat and drink upon the completion of each run. Next weekend however, Nazim will have no such luxury as he will have to wait at least 10 hours before he can have any food or water following the Leeds race.
Nazim, who recently returned from Turkish border where he delivered aid to Syrian refugees, has seen first-hand how families have been affected by war overseas and explained what he hoped to achieve through his fundraising.
“Hundreds of thousands of Syrian children have become orphaned because of the five year conflict in their country which shows no sign of ending,” he said.
“They have lost their parents to the conflict – many have witnessed horrific crimes a child should never witness such as their parents being killed in front of them.”
He continued: “During this Ramadan I am aiming to raise enough funds to support 10 orphans for one year in SKT Welfare Charity’s flagship ‘Springs of Hope Family Centre’ in the Turkish/Syrian border town of Reyhanli.
“This is due to open in August 2015 and is a 75 room purpose built accommodation for 75 widows and over 215 Syrian children.
“I personally saw progress on this unique place during my recent trip there in June and I have now made it my mission to try and help them.”
If you would like to sponsor Nazim, please visit www.justgiving.com/nazim118
