57-year-old Amjad Mahmood has set himself the enormous task of running over 350km during the holy month of Ramadan, driven by his commitment to supporting international humanitarian charity, Penny Appeal. Despite fasting from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, Amjad has been running every day, bravely facing the exhaustion that running on empty brings. Every penny he raises through this incredible feat will go towards building new homes for families in Syria who have been displaced by war and conflict.
Buckingham-bred Amjad, father of three and grandfather of two, has set a target of £5000 and is well on his way to reaching his goal. To date, he has raised nearly £2000 for Penny Appeal. Fuelled by his determination to support people in need, Amjad signed up for the several runs over the last few years, running more and more frequently, challenging himself to run marathons and channelling his efforts into fundraising for this important cause. On the 16th day of this Ramadan, he even ran a half marathon!
This gruelling challenge has seen Amjad push himself every single day throughout Ramadan. Running even just once while fasting can be extremely physically and emotionally demanding, but he has kept going. Fasting from 4am every morning, he fights exhaustion and dehydration, keeping the people he is supporting clear in his mind, driving him towards his goal.
Amjad signed up for this year’s Ramadan Challenge by Penny Appeal. His sheer determination has ensured he is constantly pushing himself over the Holy Month.
Amjad says:” We are so lucky to have a home, a family, and enough food and water. It’s only right that if you are able to, you do good for other people. What I go through on these runs doesn’t even come close to what people who have been caught up in the Syrian war and living in poverty have to deal with on a daily basis. If I can help them by giving them a new home, then all of this is worthwhile. The generous donations that I receive really do make a huge impact.”
Recovering from these runs can be tough, but with the help of family and friends, Amjad has stayed on track and is nearing the end of this incredible feat. You can follow his progress on: https://pennyappeal.enthuse.com/pf/amjad-mahmood-3423b
