Meet our Supporters: Mehmoon Awan
“I often have flashes of one of the best and most memorable trips I have had in my life and it brings a big smile each and every time.”
Mehmoon Awan participated in IKCA’s Pakistan 2022 Challenge, one of the toughest in recent years because of the floods. But our volunteers were real troopers who took everything in their stride. All the participants, including Mehmoon found the trip rewarding and inspiring. We caught up with Mehmoon so he could share his experiences with us first-hand.
This trip has been a long time coming for you, hasn’t it?
“Yes. I initially came across the Pakistan challenge in December 2019 which was supposed to happen in the summer of 2020. I immediately knew I wanted to do this but unfortunately due to Covid, it had to be cancelled. Then in early 2022, I contacted IKCA to participate in the challenge later in the year. This time I had my dear friend, Shohaab Dar excited to join in the trip.”
Tell us a little about your preparations and training.
“As the year rolled on, we prepared ourselves for the challenge and we participated in the training treks in the UK organised by IKCA. The training climbs in the UK were superbly organised and were great preparation for the real challenge ahead. They were well spaced out giving enough of a break in between, but close enough to keep the momentum going.
We imagine you couldn’t wait to get started. How did the adventure start?
“The group finally assembled in late August in Islamabad on the eve of the start of the challenge. Our trip coincided with probably the worst floods in the history of Pakistan. There was understandable concern from some members of the group as to whether the trip should go ahead. On the morning of August 28th, the group of six departed from Islamabad to Skardu by air led by our team leader Shafiq Rafiq and head guide Hussain Balti.
“I think at this stage none of us could have imagined what was in store for us. The next 12 days would turn out to be an experience of a lifetime for me, from all the magnificent scenery of the majestic mountains to the heart-touching visit of Shaukat Khanum in Lahore.”
And how about the trek itself? Were the travel and other arrangements well organised?
“On the trip in Pakistan, all the facilities provided exceeded expectations, from the hotels we stayed in, to the vehicle transportation, campsite tents, food, support team (porters, chefs etc.) and communication between leaders to group members.
“Throughout our trip, we were constantly checked up on by team leader Shafiq who asked about our wellbeing and if any of us needed anything. He always provided guidance and reminded us to practise safe climbing.
“Our head guide, Hussain Balti‘s knowledge and experience of the areas travelled to was second to none! He gave all of us confidence and we always felt safe and in capable hands. He, too, always had a solution for everything – like when he arranged a flight for 8 people literally overnight when it was decided, a few hours before departure, to fly to Skardu instead of driving for 12 hours to Gilgit to avoid any delays that may potentially be caused by the floods. Hussain even sourced shops for warm clothing or shoe repairs.”
And what were the highlights for you?
“The main highlight for me was the trip to Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital in Lahore. We stayed in superb accommodation in the doctors’ flats, were given a tour of the hospital, explained how the admission process for patients works and met the delightful CEO, Faisal Sultan.
The opportunity of meeting some patients was such an eye-opener, and to me personally, a highly emotional one. By sheer coincidence, the very first patient I met was a teenage girl and her carer, her brother, who was just a few years older than her. Both had travelled from Afghanistan. They were the same age as my own two children and hearing their story was heart-breaking. But I felt extreme gratitude and pride that a hospital exists in Pakistan that provides world-class expensive treatment at no cost for those who would have no chance of survival purely because they lack the financial resources.”
It sounds like the hospital visit had a real impact on you, as much as the mountain climbs.
“Absolutely! On contemplation, you realise how blessed and fortunate we are not only to be able to admire Allah’s (SWT) creation of the majestic mountains but to be able to appreciate how fragile life is. We’re blessed to have health facilities like we do in the UK and take for granted, while the vast majority don’t even have the basic healthcare needs in Pakistan.”
Do you have a final message for our hospital staff, sponsors and IKCA?
“To all IKCA donors: you are blessed to make a contribution to an institute from which emanates duas from thousands of people to whom you have made a real difference, possibly giving them a second chance at life by the grace of the Almighty. Shaukat Khanum Hospital and you, the donor, will live in their hearts for as long as they live.
“I would like to thank IKCA for all their hard work, dedication and selflessness without which the challenge would not have been possible. And many thanks to my group members for your beautiful company, laughter, aches and pains we endured but most of all for your love and support.
Thank YOU, Mehmoon for your participation, sacrifice and courage on this tough challenge. If you’d like to take part in one of our outdoor challenges, check out what we’ve got coming up. Challenge yourself and help us make some noise to get the word out about cancer in Pakistan. Together we can make a real difference to needy cancer patients battling their toughest challenge.