‘Ramadan running man’ passing through Northampton on epic 313-kilometre journey

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The former maths teacher has already raised more than £42,000, but is aiming for more to help people in need across the globe

A former teacher turned charity worker is running a huge 313 kilometres during Ramadan and is currently passing through Northampton

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Afruz Miah is on day 11 of his 22 day run from his hometown of Oldham to London, averaging around 15km a day.

The 47-year-old will set off at 2pm from St George’s Street in Semilong and complete the 12km to Horton today (April 27) as part of his bid to raise thousands of pounds for Global Relief Trust.

Afruz Miah is passing through Northampton on his huge running challenge.Afruz Miah is passing through Northampton on his huge running challenge.
Afruz Miah is passing through Northampton on his huge running challenge.

Afruz, who used to teach maths, has been taking on the challenge while fasting from sunrise to sunset for Ramadan, which he says was his ‘next crazy idea’ after taking up running following a health scare.

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The inspirational runner said: “Last year I had high blood pressure and the doctor almost prescribed me medication.

“I requested to not be given the medication and instead get myself back to fitness.

“I did a challenge to run 50km to raise £500, but I ended up raising £12,000 for a school by running 200km for the Global Relief Trust, which I have also been doing a lot of charity work for.

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Afruz is hoping to raise 50,000 to help people in need across the globe.Afruz is hoping to raise 50,000 to help people in need across the globe.
Afruz is hoping to raise 50,000 to help people in need across the globe.

“This year I needed to do something crazy to raise more money.”

Afruz is aiming to raise £150,000 by the end of the challenge of which he has already raised more than £42,000.

He added: “The support has been phenomenal.

“I’m 200km into the challenge and I’m feeling good, which has been helped by the motivation and support from each town I pass through.

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“I was inspired to do this challenge by Sir Tom (Moore) and another man who is 101 and is walking kilometres every day, during Ramadan too.

“I also want to encourage others to take responsibility for their health and try to make a difference for themselves as well as vulnerable people around the world.”

While Afruz is clocking up the miles during the day, he is not eating or drinking due to Ramadan, but he says he is coping well by taking on a lot of fluid, eating carbohydrates, fruit and energy shakes when he does break his fast after sunset.

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On the 27th night of Ramadan - The Night of Power, which falls on May 8, Afruz hopes to complete his challenge and reach his final destination in London.

Money raised by his challenge will be donated to Global Relief Fund, which delivers support, such as food parcels, water projects, medical aid and other self sustaining projects to vulnerable people in eight different countries.

To support Afruz and donate to his challenge, visit his fundraising page here.

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