Teenager from Blackburn plans charity bike ride in aid of the Make a Wish Foundation (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Teenager from Blackburn plans charity bike ride in aid of the Make a Wish Foundation

1:51pm Thursday 21st February 2013 in Blackburn By Bill Jacobs, Local government reporter

A TEENAGER is to make a 120-mile charity bike ride to help youngsters with life-threatening illnesses after his own near death experience.

Hamzah Ahmed is to cycle from Blackburn to Birmingham to raise money to grant magical wishes for three to 17- years-olds with terminal conditions.

Young MP for Blackburn with Darwen Hamzah decided to take on the challenge after nearly dying in March last year when an allergy stopped his breathing.

The 17-year-old was walking to his home in Denville Road, Corporation Park, when his face came out in blotches. He collapsed when he arrived home.

Only prompt action by paramedics and three days on tubes and drips in hospital saved his life.

While in the Royal Blackburn, friend 18-year-old Qutbuddia Patel was admitted with a similar condition and failed to recover.

Hamzah said: “My own experience and the death of a friend from childhood made me think.

“I also know friends and relatives who have children with terminal illnesses.

“I decided it was time to do something and raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation which gives children and young people with life-threatening conditions the chance to do something they always wanted.

“This is really important to me and I wanted to get it started before I finished as Youth MP.”

Hamzah, a science student at Blackburn College who wants to become an aerospace engineer, said: “I do cage fighting and boxing and cycle a lot.

“Several friends are hoping to ride with me and I am training every morning doing five miles a day. I hope to do it in April or May over about 14 days.”

With parents Shahid and Rukhsana right behind him, Hamzah had hoped to raise £1,000. And after raising £380 in sponsorship from councillors and officers at last week’s Blackburn with Darwen Borough executive board, he is now setting his sights higher. Hamzah said: “From my own experiences and the fact I will always have to carry drugs with me in case this random allergy strikes again, I know how important this is. I want to raise as much money as possible so children facing these illnesses can enjoy a once in a life-time experience.”

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