Hi all -

This December I will be walking 80km through Iraq from Najaf to Karbala. Millions of people make this pilgrimage each year as a tribute to Husain, the grandson of the Prophet, who was killed in Karbala along with his family when he stood up against the unjust and corrupt ruler of the time. 

We'll be sleeping roadside in makeshift tents and the desert is scorching hot in the day and below freezing at night - bearing in mind I currently find it a struggle to walk the mile from my house to the station, 80km in 3 days may be a bit of a struggle... I might even need to cut back on the Shisha for the next few months!! Those of you who know me know how big a sacrifice that is! so please donate generously! Don't forget to GiftAid!

The money you sponsor will bring light into 4000 homes in villages around Karbala who currently have no access to electricity. The lighting of their homes will enable the family to be safer in the dark, avoid inhalation of diesel fumes indoors, burns due to naked flames and allow children to study after dark. Through Lady Fatemah Trust (a UK based charity who take 0% commission) all your donations will go directly to funding this project:

£150 helps in fabrication and maintenance of one solar lantern in a poor rural household – that’s just £2 per kilometre of the walk.

£300 pays for the installation and maintenance of one fixed solar lighting unit in a rural non-electrified household – that’s just £4 per kilometre of the walk.

£600 trains 4 people to install and maintain solar panels for households in 6 months – that’s just £8 per kilometre of the walk.

But any amount - even a couple of pounds - the price of a cup of coffee - would be greatfully recieved. Thanks so much,

Shaahid