A team of eight cyclists have completed a gruelling 400-mile journey from Aberdeen to Dewsbury to raise funds and awareness for the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
Led by organiser Zubair Raje, the team included Nadim Latif, Gavin Cunningham, Akef Akbar, Wakash Waheed, Amer Hittini, Muftah Mohamed and Mohamed Mashaal – powered through four relentless days in the saddle, covering 100-miles per day. That’s the equivalent of scaling Mount Everest twice, all while averaging 13-15 mph over punishing terrain!
As well as the sheer mileage, they climbed a total elevation of more than 21,000 feet, that’s the equivalent of scaling Mount Everest twice! Each rider burned through an eye-watering 25,000 calories, but it wasn’t just about stamina, it was about solidarity.
The men, hailing from Aberdeen, Dewsbury and Wakefield, brought together Pakistani, British English, Gujarati, Libyan, Egyptian and Palestinian heritage, proving that unity can move mountains… or at least pedal over them. Their professional backgrounds were equally varied, spanning law, healthcare, business and community work, showing how people from all corners of society can unite for a shared humanitarian mission.
The ride wasn’t just miles; it was moments. Communities lined the route with cheers, and as the riders rolled into Skipton, they were escorted by local heroes from the Pedlaz Cycling Group and BAD Cycling Club. The finale? A hero’s welcome worthy of their effort!
Behind the handlebars stood an equally heroic pit crew: Zaheer Raje, Irfan Raje, Javid Jamal, Inaaya Raje, Sobhia Raje and Dr Sorcha Hittini. They handled everything from food and hydration to prayer breaks and recovery stops, earning the title of “unsung heroes” from the exhausted but grateful cyclists.
At the heart of the effort was Zubair Raje, who organised and led the ride. Zubair played a pivotal role in coordinating logistics, rallying the team together and ensuring the challenge could be completed safely and successfully. Fellow cyclists widely praised his leadership, noting the event would not have been possible without his dedication and vision.
This wasn’t by any means a solo mission either. Sponsors including Tyler Hoffman Solicitors, Plush Furniture, Aberdeen Accountants, Derbar and West Coast Estates made sure the wheels kept spinning by covering essential costs.
So far, £23,168 has been raised for Mercy for Humanity, with donations still rolling in. The funds will deliver emergency aid, including food, medicine and shelter, to families in Gaza and beyond.
A heartfelt thanks to the sponsors
The cyclists also paid tribute to the event’s sponsors, without whom the ride would not have been possible. A huge and heartfelt thanks was extended to Tyler Hoffman Solicitors, Plush Furniture, Aberdeen Accountants, Derbar and West Coast Estates. Their generosity covered essential costs and ensured the riders could focus on the challenge and the cause.
Wider impact
The ride comes amid growing calls in the UK and across the world for stronger humanitarian support for Palestinians. Campaigners have stressed that grassroots initiatives such as this play a crucial role in both raising funds and keeping the crisis in the public eye.
Many described the event as a powerful demonstration of how ordinary people can mobilise to highlight global injustice.
One of the cyclist said: “This isn’t just about one ride. It’s about sustaining support for families who are living through a crisis. Every contribution helps.”
Donations remain open, you can contribute directly through the campaign page at Mercy for Humanity: Donate Here.
