THE CHARITY

Islamic Relief is an international aid and development charity, which aims to alleviate the suffering of the world's poorest people. It is an independent Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) founded in the UK in 1984 by Dr Hany El Banna.
As well as responding to disasters and emergencies, Islamic Relief promotes sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities - regardless of race, religion or gender. THE CAUSE

Clean water is essential for life, but one in eight of the world’s population does not have access to it. This, and lack of safe sanitation, result in over two million people dying from water-related diseases

every year. The lack of clean water close to people’s homes also affects people’s time, livelihoods and quality of life. Worldwide, 2.5 billion people live without this essential service and the resulting diarrhoeal diseases kill almost 5,000 children a day. Islamic Relief works tirelessly to dig wells in the heart of communities, giving people access to clean water and saving thousands of lives.

In developing countries poor water and sanitation affects the lives of women and children the most. It impacts on women’s time, health, education and family relations. The wells Islamic Relief digs gives thousands of women a safer and improved quality of life. To gain the full benefits of safe water and sanitation, communities also need to know about the links between diseases and unsafe hygiene practices.

Hygiene education focuses on issues such as personal hygiene - the simple act of washing hands with soap and water can reduce diarrhoeal diseases by a third. Islamic Relief also works with communities to train them about the importance of hygiene and sanitation. By taking on the Islamic Relief Ben Nevis Challenge you’ll be helping some of the most vulnerable people in the world and you’ll be saving countless lives.

The Ben Nevis Challenge 2010 takes place Saturday 31st July 2010, which I have volunteered to take part in. The

challenge involves walking up the highest mountain the UK and should in no way be taken lightly I will be walking up and down for between 6 to 8 hours. As well as a physical challenge it is a worthy cause to raise money for.

Please donate what you can as every penny counts.