“Moeez chose to support IKCA because he loves his country. And when I told him what IKCA and Shaukat Khanum Hospital is doing in Pakistan, he became very keen.”
On September 9th over 130 people took to the streets of London for the UK’s biggest organised Muslim bike ride. Among the Tour De Salah Cyclists of all ages and backgrounds, were IKCA’s very own volunteers –teeming with energy and enthusiasm. The youngest participant of the day was Moeez Haq. Accompanied by his parents, Moeez, who is only 7, took on the 15 km cycle challenge.
According to his mum, Meriam, Moeez has been a keen cyclist since he was tiny. ‘When he turned five, he took his small bike’s stabilisers off and wanted to learn to ride all by himself,’ explained the proud mum. ‘He was very excited to participate in this challenge.’ But the force driving little Moeez on the day wasn’t just his love of cycling.
‘Moeez chose to support IKCA because he loves his country,’ Meriam says, ‘and when I told him what IKCA and Shaukat Khanum Hospital is doing in Pakistan, he became very keen.’
Despite the little man’s ambition, Moeez’s parents weren’t sure if their son would be able to complete the challenge on the day. Especially since the London weather was far from favourable. ‘I really appreciate all the support and encouragement of the Tour De Salah team,’ says Meriam, her pride tinged with pleasant surprise. ‘With the grace of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, they made it possible for Moeez to successfully complete his 15 km cycle.’
Now most of us who took part in Tour De Salah this September, completed the challenge with enough self-satisfaction to last us all winter. But it turns out this event was just the beginning for Moeez Haq. The 7 year-old has set himself a fundraising target of £5,000. He wants his efforts to provide treatment for as many cancer patients as possible at Shaukat Khanum Hospital. So Moeez has now dedicated his efforts to completing the target.
