Young muslims in bid to break Leamington fundraising record

Young people from a Muslim organisation in Leamington are aiming to stage the town’s biggest charity event to date next month.



More than 1,000 people have already signed up to take part in the Majlis Khudaamul Ahmadiyya (MKA) UK’s charity challenge - a 10k walk around Leamington which organisers are hoping will raise £225,000 for a range of good causes.

Organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, the 25-year-old event takes place at a different location each year - and this year the Leamington branch was successful in its bid to host it.

Charity challenge coordinator Zafar Bhatti, who is also vice-president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association’s Leamington branch, said: “Warwick District Council has told us this is Leamington’s biggest charity event to date in terms of the amount of money we will be raising. We have got people coming in from all over the country.

“It’s a great atmosphere - and if the sun’s out, it will be even better.”

The walk, which takes place on Sunday May 8, will start with the release of 225 balloons - to mark the association’s fundraising target - at the Pump Room Gardens, from where participants will head through the town and along Myton Road towards Warwick Castle.

Throughout the day at the Pump Room Gardens there will be family activities, charity stalls, an LED big screen and a barbecue serving up hot kebabs. All proceeds from both the walk and the festivities will go towards the charities the challenge is supporting.

Among these are Save the Children, Macmillan Cancer Support, the Royal British Legion, Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, Barnardo’s and Humanity First, while Warwickshire-based charities to benefit include Warwickshire Association for the Blind, One World Link, Action 21, Warwickshire Association of Youth Clubs, South Warwickshire Alzheimer’s Society and Riding for the Disabled.

The whole day is entirely run by the youth organisation, whose Leamington branch is based at the mosque in Adelaide Road.

To find out more or get involved, call Mr Bhatti on 07740 923543 or email leamingtonspa@mkacc.org

Businesses interested in sponsoring the event in exchange for advertising on day should also get in touch with Mr Bhatti.

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