11:44am Monday 29th June 2009
By Tanya O'Rourke
A Bradford mother-of-four is spearheading a campaign to raise money and awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Swat Valley, Pakistan.
Around 2.5million people have fled the area because of fighting between the army and the Taliban.
Campaigner Anjum Tahirkheli, 41, of Cottingley, said: “I am just an individual who is passionate about human causes, and we need to raise awareness.”
Mrs Tahirkheli has set up Fast4Swat with the backing of the UN’s refugee agency, UNHCR.
Youngsters, individuals and schools are encouraged to be sponsored for giving up a luxury for one day – the campaign’s tag line is: “We have a choice – they don’t.”
Whoever is judged to have come up with the best thing to give up during Fast4Swat week, which begins on July 15, could be in the running for a £1,000 prize.
Mrs Tahirkheli and a group of children from schools across Bradford travelled to Trent Bridge last week to meet the Pakistani cricket team – which later triumphed in the Twenty:20 World Cup final against Sri Lanka at Lord’s – and raise awareness of the campaign.
Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi – who hit the winning run in the final – voiced his support. He said: “The Fast4swat campaign is a fantastic initiative. Not only does it raise awareness for the people of Swat but also the much needed funds, I hope everyone will get behind this brilliant idea.”
Mrs Tahirkheli said: “The terrible crisis in northern Pakistan and the millions of uprooted people need help urgently.”
Mary Midgley, head teacher at Netherleigh and Rossefield School, Parsons Road, Heaton, which is taking part in the campaign, said: “I always think it is good for the children to know about what’s happening around the world.
“A large proportion of our children are of Pakistani origin so it seemed to be something they would like to get involved with.”
For information about how to get involved with the campaign visit fast4swat.org.
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