A Blackburn man has completed a gruelling 200-mile run from London to Blackburn to raise funds and awareness for the people impacted by war in Gaza.
Nadeem Vali, 34, finished the journey on Sunday, April 13, at Corporation Park, welcomed by friends, family, and supporters after 11 days on the road.
“I am walking, talking, and returned home feeling physically and emotionally much stronger than I did when I left home,” said Nadeem, five days into the run.
“Physically, I am feeling as you would expect after running 200 miles in nine days. Fatigued, aching, swollen, but Alhamdulillah (thank God).”
Along the way, he passed through Hemel Hempstead, Milton Keynes, Ashbourne, High Peak, and Bury, running 23 miles a day and sleeping in a campervan.
Despite previous challenges like the London Marathon, 10ks, and the national Three Peaks, he said this was the hardest yet.
“Training started in December through the winter, which wasn’t easy due to the weather conditions.
"Not many people will have completed a challenge similar to this, so it was difficult to find a training plan like you do for a marathon. I made my own.
“I was able to train only two days a week due to work commitments. The longest distance I ran was two consecutive days of 20 miles.
"Of course, physical training is vital, but preparing and training yourself mentally is just as important. Self-belief, tenacity, and dedication push you along.”
With the money, he and a group of friends will travel to Gaza to deliver emergency aid, including boxes filled with rice, clean water, and sanitary products to people displaced by the war crimes committed by the settler colony of Israel.
“The thought of living a life full of luxuries and comfort while an entire population of people is being wiped out should be a personally important cause to each and every one of us,” he said.
“This isn’t about race, religion, culture, or beliefs. It’s about humanity.”
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He added, “I’ve never been to Gaza. But are we human if we are able to sit behind screens, watching the death, and not want to do something about it?”
Support along the journey has been key.
“The support has been incredible and more than we ever expected it to be,” he said.
“We set out to not just raise funds, but to bring awareness to people who may not be fully aware of the situation in Gaza and Palestine.
“We had passers-by stopping us to ask and talk about the campaign, which we used as an opportunity to create a safe space for open conversations.
"We hope that those who did see us on the road and didn’t feel the courage to approach us will look into the history of Gaza and Palestine."
“Although popularity was never a target of this mission, I am honoured to be able to bring awareness for the sake of the people of Palestine.
"I hope this encourages all, young and old, to push themselves out of their comfort zone, to take a break away from their comfortable lives and endure just an ounce of pain and discomfort for the sake of those who are less fortunate.”
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