In December this year I will be embarking on a once in a lifetime journey and my biggest challenge yet. This will be a 17 day trek to Mount Everest base camp. Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world and stands at a staggering 8,848m.
That’s the height at which passenger aeroplanes fly at or the height of 643 double-decker buses stacked on top of one another!
why am I doing this? I have teamed up with Penny Appeal which is a charity that takes small change and endeavours to make a big difference. I will be helping to raise money for the emergency response to the ongoing refugee crisis to the Rohingya people. who have been forced to flee their homes in Burma across the border into Bangladesh. The refugees cross the border injured, ill, hungry and in need of urgent medical attention. The camps in Bangladesh don't have sufficient resources to treat or feed those who haven't eaten in days.
Far from home these men, women and children are are afraid for their lives and dependant on aid for all their basic needs. Such as food, water, shelter and medical care.
Penny Appeal are working towards building camps, providing clean water and medical care. These are things that every human has a right to and we have a duty to help provide this or give them the means to help themselves.
why do I feel compelled to help? well on the 4th October 2002 my whole perspective on life changed when I was told by Doctors that my little princess Bilqees had a brain tumour and she might not survive the weekend. life has ever since then to cut a long story short been like a roller coaster ride. Today Bilqees is 16 years old, blind and in a wheelchair with long term medical and learning issues. I am forever grateful to Allah for what I have and try to cherish life with my family as much as possible. it breaks my heart to see people who are less fortunate than us and see it as a duty to help any human being in their hour of need.
I urge you to help in whatever capacity you can, small or large any donation is welcome and will be spent with the best of intentions to reach those in need.
*Please also help by sharing my story*
many thanks
Shakeel