Dabirul Islam Choudhury, who is leading a fundraising walking challenge, photographed at his home in Bow, east London. Getty Images
Dabirul Islam Choudhury, who is leading a fundraising walking challenge, photographed at his home in Bow, east London. Getty Images
Dabirul Islam Choudhury, who is leading a fundraising walking challenge, photographed at his home in Bow, east London. Getty Images
Dabirul Islam Choudhury, who is leading a fundraising walking challenge, photographed at his home in Bow, east London. Getty Images

Fundraiser Dabir Chacha, 101, sets global walking challenge while fasting during Ramadan


Paul Carey
  • English
  • Arabic

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

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Types of fraud

Phishing: Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.

Smishing: The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.

Vishing: The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.

SIM swap: Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.

Identity theft: Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.

Prize scams: Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.

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Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

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