−−− BY LINZI DAVIES −−−
25 cyclists recently pedalled a whopping 127 miles nonstop along the Leeds – Liverpool canal to raise vital funds for the crisis in Yemen. Working with Leeds based charity The Akhirah Team, the mixture of experienced and novice riders had to deal with punctures, injuries, and exhaustion to meet their initial £10,000 target. However, as we went to print, they had already exceeded their revised target of £30,000!
The money raised will help provide clean water, cholera and covid testing kits, and feeding programmes to the people of Yemen who have been horrifically affected by the war that is currently tearing through the country.
The Akhirah Team is a charity that was established by a group of like-minded Muslim men in Leeds who wanted to use their success to help others less fortunate. The charity, from the date of inception, offered help and aid to the communities in Africa with many projects designed to tackle poverty and the Ebola crisis in countries such as The Gambia and Liberia.
The giving nature of the time of Ramadan means that the charity raises hundreds of thousands every year through the generosity of people around the world, and every penny donated goes directly to the causes as running costs are covered through sponsorship. The team fly out at their own cost to distribute donated food and medicine to ensure it goes straight to those in need.
As well as helping those around the world, The Akhirah Team also support those in need closer to home. Last Christmas, they provided Christmas Dinner at The Travellers Rest for the elderly who are part of Crossgates Good Neighbours Scheme. As well as the food provided by two local businesses owned by two of The Akhirah Team members, there were so many gifts donated that as well as every dinner guest receiving a pressie, there were plenty left to distribute to St Gemma’s and other local hospices. This charity do not discriminate and provide aid regardless of race or religious beliefs. During Eid, the charity ran a toy and money appeal which gave disadvantaged children an Eid gift, and lots of toys were donated to local Martin House Hospice.
Other local projects include helping to educate young people in disadvantaged areas of Leeds about crime, feeding the homeless, and working with St Vincent’s to provide hot food to people during the covid-19 pandemic.
For more information visit their Facebook page – The Akhirah Team
