Community stalwart and BEM recipient Nazim Ali is preparing to take on his 13th annual Ramadan 10K challenge this weekend – running 6.2 miles in Derby while fasting for almost 14 hours to raise funds for vulnerable families in Azad Kashmir.
Set to take place on Sunday 15 March 2026, the self-funded challenge will see Nazim travel to Derby the night before the race, covering his own transport, hotel and race entry costs before lacing up for one of his toughest fundraising efforts yet.
This year, he is running in aid of the Nazim Ali Foundation, in partnership with Green Crescent Aid UK, to support the charity’s ‘Azad Kashmir New Homes Project’; helping poor and vulnerable families move out of dangerous, crumbling homes and into safe, secure new three-room houses complete with a kitchen and bathroom.
Each home costs £2,600, and Nazim is aiming to raise £52,000 – enough to build 20 new homes. At the time of writing, he has already raised £33,231, enough to sponsor 12 homes.
The cause is deeply personal. Nazim recently visited the mountainous village of Charhoi in Azad Kashmir, where he saw first-hand the unsafe conditions many families are living in.
He described cracked walls, unstable structures and homes so remote that cars had to be left behind before walking uphill for 15-minutes to reach them. Some properties, he said, did not even have toilets.
Nazim said: “My family’s roots are from Azad Kashmir so this project is close to my heart.
“I visited the mountainous village of Charhoi and saw for myself the poor conditions of some of the homes, which were unsafe with cracks in the walls.
“Many of the homes didn’t even have toilets. These new homes will improve lives with a clean place to live with safety and security.”
This year marks Nazim’s 13th annual Ramadan 10K run, a remarkable tradition that has become one of Bradford’s most inspiring acts of endurance and service. Over the past 12 Ramadan 10K runs, he has raised more than £512,000.
That impact stretches far beyond one race. Across all of his charitable work, Nazim has now raised more than £1.3 million for causes in the UK and overseas, helping to build homes and deliver aid to vulnerable communities in countries including Malawi, Syria, Pakistan, Uganda, Burundi and Afghanistan.
Nazim adds: “For those donating the full £2,600 needed to fund an entire home, a personalised plaque can also be arranged, with donors receiving full feedback including videos and updates from the project.”
Nazim said: “I will be working full-time as a Careers Adviser as well as fasting, fundraising and training.
“I am eternally thankful to the donors for their kind donations and ongoing support which is humbling. It is because of you I am able to do what I do – it would not be possible without your support.”
Nazim is hoping the community will help him push beyond his current total and reach his £52,000 target. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/page/naz313.
