Oldham's 'Running Man' Afruz Miah is taking on the Great Manchester Run to raise funds for cancer treatment that could save the life of a young dad who has been told he has only months to live.

Please note that since this story was published Shujad has sadly passed away.

Shujad Ahmed, from Oldham, who is dad to six-month-old Kaia Imaan Miah, has been diagnosed with skin cancer and given just 12 months to live, according to a GoFundMe page set up by his family.

The 30-year-old’s family is desperately trying to raise enough money to allow for Shujad to be treated privately and get the best chance of survival.

The fundraising target was recently increased from £50,000 to £75,000 after Shujad’s medical expenses rose due to his treatment plan being changed to a “more advanced and comprehensive approach” necessary for his recovery.

To help the family reach their goal Afruz, who mentored Shujad at Grange School now known as Oldham Academy North, has launched a Givebrite fundraising page and is taking part in the Great Manchester Run this Sunday and will complete a half marathon with his running partner Monwar Hussain.

The Oldham Times: Afruz Miah during a previous run for the Global Relief Trust Afruz Miah during a previous run for the Global Relief Trust (Image: Global Relief Trust)

Afruz had initially intended to raise funds for the Global Relief Trust (GRT), which supports families in conflict and disaster-hit zones across the world, but after discussions with the charity was given their backing to support a local cause.

He said: “It was very nice of them to support my decision to raise money for Shujad’s family.

“I know Shujad’s family from the community, his uncle Nui Islam was a colleague of mine at Grange School, and I contacted him and said I would help.

“I told him that I was planning to do the Manchester half marathon for a humanitarian cause but that I wanted to support Shujad as it’s a cause closer to home and home is where the heart is.

“My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 25 years ago and luckily, she’s still alive. I know how it feels for a family member to go through these emotions and be told the drastic news that they have cancer.

“Shujad is a young 30-year-old who is just about to start his life. It must be devasting. That’s why I dropped everything to do something for this local cause because charity begins at home.”

Afruz is aiming to raise £10,000 through the run and has already received sponsorship from several businesses and charities who now feature on his running top.

The organisations include the Global Relief Trust in Birmingham, Neatgrapix in Oldham, ARCO wholesale in Manchester , Al Aqsa Islamic Shop in Oldham, Dynamic Custom in Bolton, Wolfe & Co Solicitors in Luton and Chilli Pot in Middleton.

To donate to Afruz’s Givebrite fundraising page go to https://campaigns.givebrite.com/support-shujad-