Meet Our Supporters: Aiysa Seedat

‘When you give someone charity, be thankful for them. You may be fixing their Dunya [worldly life], but they are fixing your Akhirah [hereafter].’ – Aiysa Seedat, Volunteer

Meet Aiysa Seedat. She first started fundraising for Imran Khan Cancer Appeal in November last year and has recently participated in our Scafell Pike Challenge. Ayesha’s reasons for getting involved in our life-saving work are personal. Here, she tells us about them, and about her experiences on the Scafell Pike climb.

Aiysa, why did you decide to get involved in our work?

“After having lost my Dad 10 years ago to cancer, and my paternal uncle and maternal uncle in the last year, I have realised how blessed we are to have the best treatment and support of the NHS. They are our first port of call, our confidante, our rock and our lifeline.

“Every so often we need to take a step back and think about the people who do not have this privilege and cannot afford to even go for a diagnosis, let alone medication, treatment and care. The devastation cancer has on the patient, the family, the friends and the community is indescribable. Adding the cost of treatment to that is heart-wrenching.”

We’re sorry for your loss. Can you tell us a little about you Dad?

“Whilst battling cancer, my Dad paid for the cancer treatment of someone in India. I remember him telling me how they could not afford the treatment and that if Allah (SWT) wills it, through a poor person’s Dua, my Dad will find ease.

“I am not worthy to carry on even an iota of what my Dad has done to help others but I wish to fundraise for Imran Khan Cancer Appeal in his memory to help people fight this disease that eventually took him away from us. Through this act of kindness, I can only wish that I and all those who donated are included in a poor person’s Dua.”

It’s very inspiring that you’ve turned your loss into motivation to help others. Thank you for getting involved in our work.

“Thank you! We all need to come together to give hope and help those less fortunate than us. All lives truly matter, and we may be the only way some people in Pakistan can receive life-changing support and care.”

That’s very true. How did you find the hike?

“The hike itself was challenging as I only started hiking 6 months ago but I loved every minute of it. At the forefront of my mind was ‘Why…. why am I doing this challenge? What do I wish to get out of it?’ That pushed me to give it my all. I finished the challenge feeling accomplished and exhilarated.

“We were lucky to be in a great group who supported one another and pushed each other along. The Imran Khan Cancer Appeal staff were very friendly and welcoming to us all and you would not think we had just met that day. They had also hired expert mountain guides to help us so we knew we were in safe hands.

“The peak was the perfect place to pray for those who are struggling through cancer and who we have lost along the way. Insha’Allah the mountains will bear witness to our prayers on the day of Qiyamah.”

Thank you, Aiysa for your support and inspiring words! With your help, we’re working hard to bring world-class care to the most vulnerable of Pakistan. It’s volunteers like you who are the lifeblood of our organisation.

Inspired by Aiysa? Join us on our outdoor events and challenges this year. Learn more and sign up below.