A FATHER who describes himself as an ‘Indian abroad’ said his dreams came true when he got to spend time with Olympic athletes in Rio while completing a tour of the seven wonders of the modern world.

Yusuf Lambat, began his journey in March 2007 when he visited India with his family and toured the ‘jewel of India’ - the famous Taj Mahal.

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A few years later he visited the Colosseum in Rome with his partner before going to ‘Petra’ in Jordan with a friend.

The father-of-one, of Little Harwood, then made it his mission to visit all seven wonders after being inspired by Karl Pilkington’s television show ‘An Idiot Abroad’.

He said: “When I graduated I visited Mexico (Cancun) with my friends and headed off to see the Mayan temple in Chichen Itza.”

Two years later the 38-year-old went to Machu Pichu in Peru and completed the Inca trial.

“A year later I did the Great Wall of China with the charity group Human Appeal to help raise funds for the supply of clean water in Gaza.”

Yusuf, who runs the popular Melt Dessert Parlour in Blackburn, wanted to visit Brazil during the world cup in 2014, but postponed his visit and applied as a volunteer for this year’s Olympics.

“My job was to assist taking part in sailing, where I had to make sure the athletes were all ready to compete,” he said.

“Brazil was so special. I am a big football fan and when I was a child I looked up to Brazil. My dream had come true.

“The days I was not working I went out touring the country and that is when I completed my seventh wonder of the modern world challenge by seeing the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio.

“I was so delighted to have completed the challenge at a young age and it has been an amazing experience and achievement in my life.

Mr Lambat said he met some lovely people from all around the world and picked up some great desert ideas for his parlour when in Italy.

His adventures show no sign of ending either as he plans to visit the 1,000 wonders listed in a book.

“Travelling opens your mind, you see and meet other cultures and how they live and what they eat. I would urge other people to do it,” he added.