Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

5 May 2011

Today I was due to fly out to India, unfortunately the Indian authority have failed to process my visa application in time for me to fly out with rest of my colleagues. Therefore I did not go on trekking in Himalayas.

Around the Easter time I became concerned that there may be a problem so I and the tour operator started contacting Indian outsource centre VFS (visa application handlers) almost on daily basis to get an update on the application.

The so called helpdesk was very incompetent and unhelpful that we were told the passport and application is with the Indian High Commissioner in London and they can not assist us any further or interfere with the IHC office. They would not allow us to speak with a senior officer or to give us any alternative solutions or contact details at the Indian High Commissioner's Office.

On 4 May 2011 as a last ditch effort I decided to go directly to the Indian High Commissioners Office in London to plead to some one in person, but could not get past the doorstep and was then told they are waiting for a decision from India before they are able to process the application and that it could take up to 12 months before the decision is made - this response was given without checking my details.

My other colleague's, in some cases had their applications processed in 3 days where as my application was with them for more than 6 weeks.

For the record I have been to India twice before, last time in 2010, I hold British nationality since 1973, I was born in Pakistan and have never been to Pakistan since 1994. I do understand that people of Pakistani origin are dealt differently from other nationals.

It is beyond my comprehension as to why it is taking so long to process my application, why the visa application was accepted in the first place if it was not going to be processed in time and what has changed since my last visit to India in 2010?.  

I am sorry if you find my rant offensive but I needed to give you this update and do acknowledge your generous support for this worthwhile cause and in a way I feel a sense of achievement in raising so much money, though on personal basis I am disappointed that I could not go on the trek and the way the Indian establishment had dealt with my application.  

26 April 2011

Well, its getting very close to the departure date and I am pleased to say that with your help I have achieved my target and in fact have so far raised £6,008.75. After having achieved my target I started focussing on fitness level, often walking lonely, following the sheep and occasionally accompanied by some cows on the way in Yorkshire Dales.

The Easter break was a great opportunity to test myself out with continuously walking over 4 days with the Indian Summer to replicate Himalayan climate.- well as near as one can expect in Yorkshire         

The only thing which is worrying me now is the wait for the visa clearance, hope it won't be too long - watch this space.  

2 April 2011

A belated thank you to Lauren Lemm and Sumera Hussain from Lloyds Banking, Lovell Park, Leeds for their effort in raising £375.71. My sincere thanks are also extended to everyone who had contributed in collection and to the Management team at Lovell Park for allowing the collection to take place.   

29 March 2011

It seems such a long time when I launched my JustGiving page. Initially I was very apprehesive on the support I may draw, as I had never envisaged such a task with personal collection target and fitness level. Now as I get closer to the challenge date I am amazed at the support I received from industry collegues, friends and relatives in raising funds and giving me useful tips for the challenge. 

My thanks go to collegues at West Yorkshire Passenger Transport  Executive (Metro) Leeds, for their generous collection.  

Similarily and closer to home at First staff canteen (bus drivers), Bradford Interchange a total of £146.16 was collected. This collection was in addition to the Unite the Union branch contribution of £1200. With such a huge contribution it had made my task so simple - thank you very much to you all for such a huge contribution  

As you can see from my collection so far, I am nearly there with my personal target of £5000 but if you can still spare a few pennies then please continue to donate as every penny will come handy in treating the cancer patients and improving facilites at the Yorkshire Cancer Centre.  

Pre-2011 page:

Well I've finally managed to get off my backside and nominated myself to a mission of a lifetime... well that's what they all call it at my age! I am looking to raise as much as I can to support the 'Yorkshire Cancer Centre' which does vital research in the cancer field and supports cancer patients.

To find out more about Yorkshire Cancer Centre, please visit the link below:

http://www.yorkshirecancercentre.org.uk/Appeal.html

This trek to India next May is in memory of my late father who passed away with cancer.

 The challenge itself entails a 5 day hike in the Himalayan mountain area.  A challenging 7-8 hours hike daily passing through dense forests and high mountain trails over varying terrain.  At the end of each day we will camp on the mountain side, in sleeping bags. This whole challenge sounds very daunting, but I am confident that I will be able to complete the challenge and achieve my target through hard work, mental and physical preparation with your support and encouragement.

 

Seriously guys (and girls) this is for a really good cause and I need all the support I can get; both emotionally and most importantly financially.

So as Tesco say - every little helps!

Many Thanks,

Khadim