Climbing for Kiyan: Love in Every Step, Light in Every Summit
Mahya Akbarzadeh is raising money for Shooting Star Children's Hospices
In memory of Kiyan Barez
Story
We’re taking on the Three Peaks Challenge in honour of our beloved Kiyan — a boy whose radiant soul changed our lives forever. Help us raise £9,000 for Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and carry his light forward.
I’m raising money for Shooting Star Children’s Hospices in memory of my beloved son, Kiyan, who passed away in May 2021 after nine extraordinary years.
Kiyan was born prematurely at 28 weeks, alongside his twin brother, Mattin. At birth, we discovered he had a severe brain condition called holoprosencephaly (HPE). Despite facing immense challenges—being quadriplegic, deaf, tube-fed, and unable to communicate verbally—Kiyan radiated joy through his smiles and tears. His care was palliative from the start, but his spirit was anything but.
He taught us the true meaning of love, resilience, and the beauty found in life’s simplest moments. The rustling of leaves, the touch of the wind—these brought him immense joy and reminded us of the everyday wonders we so often overlook.
Kiyan’s journey illuminated the strength of human connection and the transformative power of kindness. Through his eyes, we learned to cherish health as our greatest wealth and to prioritise well-being in all areas of life.
To mark this meaningful anniversary, we’re taking on the Three Peaks Challenge on 11.07.2025 in Kiyan’s honour. Our goal is to raise £9,000—a pound for every life we hope to touch and a tribute to each of the nine years he spent with us (24.04.2012 – 12.05.2021).
All funds raised will go to Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, a remarkable charity that supported us with unwavering care and love throughout Kiyan’s life. Their work made an immeasurable difference to our family and we are honoured to give back in his name.
We believe that if 9,000 people give just £1, they will receive something far greater in return: a reminder of why we’re here, the gift of presence and the enduring power of love.
This isn’t just about raising funds—it’s about sharing Kiyan’s light and reminding each other that what truly matters is found in the Here & Now.