Inspirational Amelia's mountain challenge fund-raiser of a lifetime

An inspirational 11-year-old girl from Oldham is set to take on the journey of a lifetime by climbing two of Makkah’s most famous mountains in Saudi Arabia - all to raise money for vulnerable and displaced children.

Amelia Manha, a former pupil of Lyndhurst Primary School and now in Year 7 at Hathershaw College, will be joining the Makkah Mountain Challenge 5.0, an annual event now in its fifth year.

The challenge calls on participants to consecutively climb Jabal Noor (the Mountain of Light) and Jabal Thawr, two peaks steeped in Islamic history and spiritual significance.

Despite her age, Amelia is no stranger to big challenges.

In Ramadan 2023, at just 10 years old, she launched her very first fundraiser, Ramadan 99.

As part of it, she memorised the 99 names of Allah - and with the generosity of supporters, managed to raise over £40,000 for children in need.

Now, she is preparing to put both her faith and fitness to the test once more.

“This will be a spiritual and emotional journey for me," Amelia explained.

“Every step I take will be for children who are facing unimaginable hardships.

"With our help, we can give them hope, safety, and a chance at life.

"I can’t do this alone - every donation, big or small, makes a difference.”

Her father, Afruz Miah BEM, better known as Oldham’s ‘Running man’ who has raised more than £3 million for charitable causes, said he couldn’t be prouder of his daughter.

“Children need to be instilled with the gift of giving from an early age and taught to appreciate how fortunate we are here in the UK,” he said.

“Amelia has shown real maturity and compassion for others, and I’m proud to see her following in the footsteps of giving back to the community.”

Shahedur Rahman, founder of Global Relief Trust (GRT), praised Amelia’s efforts and said she is destined for great things.

Shahedur added: “Amelia is an inspirational individual who will go on to achieve even bigger and better things in the future.

"She is already setting an example for the next generation, just like her father has done.”

The Makkah Mountain Challenge has become a much-anticipated annual fundraiser at this time of year, with participants from across the UK taking part.

But Amelia’s determination at such a young age has already captured the admiration of her community, with many praising her as a role model for young people in Oldham.

She is now calling on others to support her mission by sharing her campaign and donating.

“Together, let’s be the reason a child smiles, survives and dreams again God willing,” she added.

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