Afruz's pride as daughter Amelia raises £1.5k for Palestine children

The daughter of Oldham’s ‘Running man’ has raised £1,500 for needy children in the Gaza Strip, Palestine.

Amelia Manha, who is 8, memorised the 99 names of God in ten days.

The belief in Islam is that if the names are memorised by someone and they die with the names in their hearts, then they are guaranteed paradise.

During the campaign, people were requested to donate either 99p, £9 or £9.99.

Amelia's father Afruz Miah, BEM, who is affectionately known as Oldham’s ‘Running man’ due to his own epic fundraising efforts, said: “She sees everything I do for charity so she is motivated and inspired to do the same.

"She raised £500 for last year’s winter campaign.

"The funds raised went to children in Lebanon.

“My passion is passing onto my children.

"I am very proud of Amelia and hope to instil the charity aspect of Islam in all my children so they appreciate what they are blessed with.”

Afruz has raised more than half a million for charity and is renowned for running from Oldham to London twice while fasting in the month of Ramadan.

“I hope my children will see the condition of other children all over the world who are in worse situations so they will appreciate life more," he added.

"A lot of people donated online to the cause so Ameila was motivated to keep going."

Amelia, a student at Lyndhurst Primary school, said: “The campaign was hard at first, but I got used to it and found a way of memorising the names using a technique I learnt from my teacher, such as learning how to spell.

“I wanted to help children in the Gaza Strip and want to keep campaigning this winter and in Ramadan too.

"I was encouraged by my family and people on Facebook and Instagram.”

Amelia’s video has been viewed 100,000 times on social media and has inspired many adults and children.

They were contacted by a family in Birmingham and London congratulating Amelia.

Amelia, who loves swimming, has been invited to many events to recite the 99 names of God.

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