A centenarian is to lead a global walking challenge while fasting during Ramadan.
Dabirul Islam Choudhury, 101, was made an OBE in Queen Elizabeth’s birthday honours list last year after previous fundraising efforts during lockdown.
Inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore, Mr Choudhury raised more than £420,000 ($583,566m) last year for various charities and the UK's National Health Service by walking 970 laps of his garden in Bow, east London, in May, also during Ramadan.
Mr Choudhury, also known as Dabir Chacha or Uncle Dabir, has set the 'Walk with Dabirul' challenge, which has seen people in more than 150 cities sign up to raise funds for Covid-19 victims.
The challenge, which has so far raised more than £8,000, was originally due to take place on April 17, but was changed to April 24 to avoid a clash with the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.
People will walk in their local park or garden, with the aim of reaching 1.5 million steps by everybody taking part.
A statement on Mr Choudhury's Just Giving site reads: “These funds will provide shelter for the homeless, feed the destitute, provide education for young girls and boys, aid widows, and help war-torn communities affected by disasters. The donations will also help build mosques in the UK.”
Funds raised will be divided equally among the partner charities of CHS TV’s Ramadan Family Commitment initiative, helping families and victims affected by Covid-19 worldwide, as well as people in refugee camps.
Mr Choudhury’s son Atique Choudhury said his father was determined to help those in need, "especially families of those who have lost loved ones due to the deadly virus”.
When he was made an OBE in October, Mr Choudhury said: “I feel proud they have honoured me for the efforts I have done. I thank everybody from the bottom of my heart.”
For the Walk With Dabirul challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/team/euwithdabirul
More on Ramadan
Four ways to fast in a safe and healthy way
Zakat: Ramadan to fuel rapid growth in philanthropy among British Muslims
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