The dedicated runner from Yorkshire who gobbles up the road miles for charity is all set to take on the Great North Run in Newcastle in a bid to raise over £12,000 for food parcels in Uganda.
School career’s advisor, Nazim Ali, is no stranger to fundraising, has raised well over half a million pounds for humanitarian causes both in Britain and abroad by taking up running challenges.
On Sunday 11th September, Nazim AKA ‘Ramadan Runner’ (a title acquired for his famous fundraising runs while fasting), at his own expense, will attempt the Great North Run’s half marathon (13.1 miles).
His mission this time is to raise monies do he can provide hundreds of food parcels carrying a month’s supply of essentials for survival to the most destitute families in Uganda, Africa.
Nazim explains why he’s so passionate about delivering aid in Uganda: “41 per cent of Uganda’s population lives below the poverty line. It is amongst the poorest nations in the world with 75% of the 48 million population living in rural areas.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the poverty in Uganda. Many live in straw-roofed mud-built homes which have no electricity, water or sanitation.
“At least 20 million people don’t even have access to clean water, with much of Uganda is open water and swampland, deeming it undrinkable. This gives rise to water borne diseases.
“For the Great North Run, I’m covering all the associated costs (race fee, hotel, travel and food) so that 100 per cent of donations go to the stated cause.
“Then, God willing, in two-months time – from 24th October to 31st October 2022, I will be going on a wholly self-funded humanitarian aid trip to Uganda with the team from the ‘Hope for Mankind’ charity.
“I am hoping to raise at least £12,000 to provide 300 food parcels costing £40 each (Zakat applicable), which will last a poor family of five for at least one month. Each food parcel will contain at least 20kg flour, oil, 10kg rice, tea, sugar, tinned foods, lentils, breads and milk powder.”
With this run in Newcastle, Nazim is hoping to cross the £600,000 fundraising mark.
He’s hoping to also open water wells, provide community meals, sweets for children, clothes for orphans and the poor. He’ll also visit Hope for Mankind’s orphanage in the capital city, Kampala.
“Hope for Mankind is the same charity that is building the 35 homes and 75 water pumps for the poor in Pakistan, with the funds I raised during Ramadan 2022,” explains Nazim.
“I have worked with Hope for Mankind for over a year now, and they have impressed me with their timely and full feedback.”
He adds: “I am eternally thankful to the donors for their kind donations and on-going support which is hugely humbling.
“As ever I will keep you updated of daily progress on my social media platforms – transparency and accountability is at the heart of my success.”
To donate, please visit Nazim’s justgiving.com fundraising page – if you’re a UK tax payer tick the ‘Gift Aid’ option.
