A trio of determined volunteers from Slough have completed an incredible 100-mile run from Leicester to London in just 36 hours, raising more than £21,000 and counting – for Islamic Relief UK’s Gaza emergency appeal.
Runners Mohsin, Shafqat, and Wajid, took on the challenge over the May bank holiday weekend, setting off at 5am on Sunday 4th May from Madina Masjid in Leicester, and crossing the finish line at Shepherd’s Bush Masjid in London by 6pm on Monday 5th May.
Along the way, they ran through multiple towns and cities, stopping overnight at Luton Central Masjid, where they were warmly welcomed by the local community.
Covering an average of 50 miles per day – the equivalent of nearly two marathons a day. The group endured fatigue, muscle soreness, and intense weather conditions. But for the runners, every step was worth it.
“Every day since the crisis began, we’ve seen awful scenes of destruction and suffering in Gaza on the news and social media,” the team said.
“It can make you feel helpless, like there’s nothing you can do. But we were determined to act – not just to raise funds, but to send a message of solidarity to our brothers and sisters in Palestine. This was our way of saying: you are not alone.”
Responding to crisis
The run was inspired by the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where ongoing conflict has left a devastating toll on the civilian population.
Since October 2023, Islamic Relief has been delivering life-saving aid to Palestinian families under siege. Over £39 million worth of humanitarian support has been distributed so far, including over 70 million hot meals, hygiene kits, medical supplies, and emergency shelter.
Despite this, the situation remains dire. According to Islamic Relief UK, around 90% of Gaza’s population has been forcibly displaced, with over 52,000 Palestinians killed and many more injured. Access to clean water, food, electricity, and medical care remains extremely limited.
“The scale of the devastation is difficult to comprehend,” said Zia Salik, Deputy Director and Head of Fundraising at Islamic Relief UK.
“Our teams on the ground in Gaza are working around the clock under impossible conditions. But thanks to fundraising efforts like this — powered by ordinary people doing extraordinary things — we are able to continue reaching families who urgently need help.”
A community effort
While the runners completed the physical challenge, they credit the wider community for helping make it possible. Leicester’s Imam Khalid Hussain provided guidance and moral support at the outset.
A dedicated support team included Ansar, Jamil, Naheem and Umar, who followed them by car, offering hydration, meals, and medical assistance throughout the journey.
Mosques in Leicester, Luton, and London opened their doors to the runners, offering food, prayers, and encouragement.
“We couldn’t have done this without the incredible support from our communities. The way people came together – whether cheering us on, donating, or praying for us – was deeply humbling,” said the runners.
“It showed us the true spirit of compassion and unity that defines our faith and our people.”
The run has already raised £21,000 and the total is expected to reach £25,000 in the coming days. All donations will go directly to Islamic Relief UK’s Gaza appeal, helping fund emergency relief operations, medical aid, and food distribution to families on the ground.
