The Dawah North – Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) Challenge on 3 November 2013 was a great success drawing thirty participants from the following masjids to raise funds for the YAA:

• Muhammadi Masjid, Keighley
• Salfia Centre, Dewsbury
• IslamBradford Centre, Bradford
• & BD5 Masjid, Bradford.

The group set off on the climb from the iconic Ribblesdale Viaduct at 10am to ascend Whernside Peak, which is just north of Skipton. Whernside is the highest of the three Yorkshire Peaks at 736 m (2,415 ft) above sea level and is a long ridge known as the ‘Roof of Yorkshire’. The ascent took just under two hours in very challenging weather conditions including rain, sleet and strong winds. At trig point the group stopped to share food, pray Dhuhr and pose for a few photos with a YAA banner in close to sub-zero temperatures. As the day went by the rain stopped and the sun came out allowing us to enjoy the stunning views of the creation of Allah, the Most High. The descent was far quicker, albeit tricky with slippery ground and plenty of rocks. But Alhamdulillah the entire group made it back safely to the viaduct at 2pm. We prayed Asr prayers at the Horton in Ribblesdale car park and then headed back home, exhausted but satisfied that we had accomplished that we had set out to do.

The trip was a beautiful example of regional inter-masjid co-operation, supporting the wider community and Islamic brotherhood, with everyone looking out for one another throughout the day. We hope to organise further challenges inshallah, but in much milder weather conditions! We in particular would like to thank the two brothers who loaned their minibuses to us free of charge. You can still make a donation via the Dawah North Just Giving Page: http://www.justgiving.com/Dawah-North