Oldham man looks to climb Mount Everest as part of charity campaign

Akke Rahman (pictured above), the Oldham based brand ambassador for UK Islamic Mission (UKIM) is getting set to climb Mount Everest for the second time as part of a gruelling campaign to conquer 14 of the highest mountains in the world in aid of charity.

The first phase of the 14 Peaks Challenge commenced on the 24th of April in Nepal will be followed by the second phase from Pakistan in June-July 2024. Each of the mountains he will climb is above 8,000 metres tall and he is expected to complete his mission around September 2025. 

In 2020, Akke climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and Mont Blanc within a week before breaking the UK record for climbing Mount Elbrus after reaching the summit in less than 24 hours.

Akke said: “I’m a bit nervous about the climb, but I have to take each day as it comes. I am confident I can do it, but I do have a bit of anxiety.”

He said there will be four phases spread out over nearly two years. Two phases in 2024 and two phases in 2025 when he will climb the highest mountains in the world.

He said: “The trek to the summit of Everest takes on average four days. I will have a local guide with me called a Sherpa. Although there is a group of 12 people on the expedition when you’re on the mountain you climb at different speeds according to your ability. My Sherpa is called Purba.

I like to test myself and my body which God has created. I like to push the boundaries and limits and see where I can go. It is my passion as I like the gruel and the climb. I am happy to help the less well off and raise funds for them.

This is what fuels my passion and I hope to raise £1.5 million for UKIM who will help people in Gaza, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen, and others including UK charitable projects to help communities that are struggling.”

He added: “The mountains and terrain here are beautiful. You can see grass and shrub when climbing higher. But the mountains with snow caps are really beautiful and majestic. God has created such a beautiful world.

You can’t just stay in the UK you need to come out and observe beautiful places. Last time I climbed Everest, I really missed my family as I couldn’t do Eid with them. I became slightly depressed but I kept going.”

He tells young people to get off their PlayStation and iPads and come out to see the world. He also suggests hiking and other free activities. 

Tahir Naseer, Akke’s manager, said: “UKIM is one of the oldest charity organisations in the UK. 99% of our activities are carried out by volunteers. It operates in 16 different countries.

UKIM aims to inspire youth and raise awareness and to promote healthy living and good habits. The 14 peaks is an exclusive challenge as only 52 people have ever successfully completed it. Akke is set to be the 53rd.”

It is probable that Akke will become the only Muslim in the world to climb Everest twice.