Tahir Zafar
Tahir's 10K Run for Acid Survivors
Fundraising for Acid Survivors Trust International
Story
I’ve decided to run the British 10k (my first ever) to raise awareness for the Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI), the only organisation in the world dedicated to rehabilitating survivors of acid and burns violence on an International level, on Sunday July 11th 2010.
Acid attacks are violent acts intended to disfigure their targets for life causing physical and psychological suffering. Attacks are usually the result of domestic or land disputes, dowry demands or simply revenge. In many cases it is because a young girl or woman spurned sexual advances or rejected a proposal of marriage. Acid attacks cause the human skin to melt, often exposing the bones below the flesh and sometimes even dissolving the bone.
These attacks are a serious issue around the world especially in Asia and . However it’s recently found its way to our shores in where Katie Piper, an aspiring model and television presenter, was a victim of a horrifying and cruel acid attack. The attack left Katie blind in her left eye and caused three degree burns on her face. Surgeons had to remove all of Katie’s skin from her face before rebuilding it with a skin substitute and then a skin graft. Katie’s acid attack was the subject of a very emotional Channel 4 documentary. aims to help victims like Katie around the world. To learn more about please visit www.acidviolence.org
My goal is to not only run the race without going into cardiac arrest but also to create awareness about a global tragedy that we might otherwise be ignorant about and support this worthwhile cause. So please reach deep into your pockets and donate any amount you can.
Your funds raised will go towards acid survivor’s medical treatments, rehabilitation, supporting reintegration into society, offering legal help aswel as campaigning and co-operating with National Governments to reduce the number of these horrific attacks. Your money will really make a difference to those whose lives have been sadly impacted by these malicious attacks.
Thank you so much for your support and wish me luck! Tahir