Meet Our Supporters: Sudais Arif

‘Every step we take in life to support others can go a long way and to put a smile on another human being’s face is a reward of its own.’

Meet Mohammad Sudais Arif who’s been a volunteer for IKCA since he was just 13 years old. Since that time, he’s raised funds and awareness about our cause, helping us help needy patients in their fight against cancer. We chatted to this remarkable young man to find out what drives him.

It’s great to meet you, Sudais. What inspired you start volunteering for us at such a young age?

“I’d read many articles on the devastating effect that Covid-19 had on charities. Research showed that: ‘The devastating financial impact of coronavirus has left 40% of charities and community groups in a worsening financial situation, with two in five organisations reporting that their financial position had deteriorated.’”

We can certainly confirm that from our experience. It’s been tough trying to recover, but things are improving, thanks to Allah (SWT) and amazing people like you. So, tell us, who is Sudais Arif?

“I am from London and was born and raised here in the UK. I studied at Haberdashers Askes School for Boys. It’s an amazing and supportive school, that always had my back and encouraged and supported my dreams and aspirations. At 17 years of age, in year 13, I received an offer from Imperial to study Joint Maths and Computer Science.”

Congratulations! Sounds like you have a bright future ahead. Tell us a little more about your plans.

“My dream and aspiration are that I want to become a robotics engineer. I have also applied to US universities like Harvard and MIT.”

We hope everything works out for you – it couldn’t happen to a more deserving person. You’ve had a long and proud history of supporting us. Why did you choose our cause?

“I specifically decided on Imran Khan Cancer Appeal as it supports a charity – Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, that assists patients requiring high-duty and costly cancer care that they cannot afford because of their low income. I’ve been to Pakistan many times and witnessed the lack of technological advancements, specifically in medicine. But Shaukat Khanum hospitals are changing this.”

Yes, but without support from people like you, we wouldn’t be able to continue our work. You’ve done so much to raise funds and awareness for us, including running a marathon. How did that go?

“I decided, with my school’s help and encouragement, to raise money for IKCA – an amazing cause. I ran a 10k marathon for the patients at Shaukat Khanam Hospital. I’m proud to say that I raised £14,786.”

Thank you. That’s a staggering amount! Do you have any words to encourage and inspire others?

“I think it’s time to give back to our community, to give back to those who are in need, and to provide a helping hand. No help is too little, every little helps. Every step we take in life to support others can go a long way and to put a smile on another human being’s face is a reward of its own.”

Thank you, Sudais for your support over the years. You are a remarkable young man and we wish you all the best for the future.

Like Sudais, you can volunteer your time and skills to assist patients battling cancer – the costliest disease to treat. At Shaukat Khanum, we treat 75% of our patients for free, but this would not be possible without the support of volunteers who give their time and skills selflessly. Read more and volunteer below.