Oldham’s ‘Running Man’ Afruz Miah conquers Ben Nevis

Afruz conquered the mountain to raise funds for the Global Relief Trust (GRT) which is currently supporting the people of Yemen who are facing what the UN has described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis following the outbreak of war in the country.

The 50-year-old organised the trek and was joined by 17 other climbers, including fundraisers from across the UK, and supported by Oldham mountaineer Akke Rahman, the first British Bangladeshi to climb Mount Everest, and the Sajjad Foundation, based in Ashton.

So far, the climb has raised close to £15,000, more than doubling its initial target of £5,000.

Afruz said: “I want to work with different organisations and communities to promote fitness and wellbeing. This time we wanted to raise the bar a bit higher and decided to take on the biggest mountain in the UK which stands at a majestic 1345m above sea level.

“Funds raised through this challenge will be used to support the Yemen Malnutrition Project via Global Relief Trust who have a team on the ground in Yemen.

“Our initial target was £5,000 but with everyone’s generosity we are close to raising £15,000. We have been overwhelmed by the support of donors. The difficult climb was well worth the pain and hardship.”

Afruz and the other climbers on the route (Image: Afruz Miah)

Muhammad Akram was moved to join Afruz on the climb, despite suffering from Parkinson’s disease, after seeing the plight of people in Yemen.

The 47-year-old who travelled from Birmingham said: “The climb was very tough even though I took regular breaks and was supported by the team I initially thought I had made a mistake.

“I thought I shouldn’t have come but then I remembered the little children who are dying without food while we live a life of luxury, so I pushed myself and carried on.”

Afruz is already planning his next challenge to climb Mount Toubkal in Morocco to support and maintain a school for the blind in Kashmir.