Lake District charity challenge raises £12,000 for Keswick park playground
A Lake District charity challenge has raised £12,000 to help develop a playground in Keswick.
The event, yesterday, Sunday August 30, saw 300 people from Cumbria and across the UK complete a 30-mile cycle and an 11-mile hike.The challenge was organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, the oldest and largest Muslim youth group in the UK.
It marked 10 years since the organisation’s 2016 charity cycle in the county, which followed volunteer efforts to support communities affected by Storm Desmond in December 2015. Members previously helped clear flooded homes and streets before returning the following year to raise money for the Cumbria Community Foundation.
This year’s event in Fitz Park was open to everyone and ended with a gathering where food was shared with local residents. Organiser Nadeem Ahmad said: “Helping our neighbours is part of our faith, and we are delighted to have raised £12,000 for the development of Fitz Park’s playground.
“We wanted to bring people together, share food and continue the friendships formed after Storm Desmond.“At a time when society can feel divided, we hope our young people show how much can be achieved by working together and caring for one another.”
Across the UK, AMYA members support charities through fundraising and volunteering, with challenges dating back to 1985 that have raised millions of pounds. The organisation’s wider work includes tree planting, blood donation drives, food bank collections, support for people experiencing homelessness and street clean-ups.
AMYA said the initiatives reflected Islamic teachings on serving humanity, caring for neighbours and contributing to the country.
