AN IMAM is to cycle 500 miles to raise money for the British Red Cross.

Atta-ur-Rahman Khalid, of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Slough and South Bucks, will be joining members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association in their ‘Ride4Peace’ challenge in July.

The ride is part of the youth association’s annual ‘Mercy for Mankind’ challenges, which see members take part in fundraising events such has walks and cycling. This year, the organisation’s target is to raise £500,000 for UK charities.

Imam Khalid said: “My motivation for taking part in this 500-mile charity Ride4Peace is the founder of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who even when he was the chief of Arabia and had thousands of followers, slept on a hard bed and ate very little so he could sacrifice his wealth to help the poor and needy in society.

“Islam lays great emphasis on human empathy and service to mankind just as it promotes the discharging of duties towards God.”

Mr Khalid’s trek will see the cyclists depart from London and travel through Bath, the Cotswolds, the Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia, North Wales, and finally the Peak District over the seven-day journey.

Mr Khalid said: “During this year’s Eid sermon, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, reminded us about the state of poverty in the world and that we must not forget those who are suffering whilst we were celebrating Eid.

“His Holiness reminded us that we must ensure we do our utmost to look after those people who are less fortunate than ourselves.”

For more information, visit Imam Khalid’s JustGiving page at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/khal1d