On Monday, the H&K Cycle Club from East London will embark on their fifth consecutive annual challenge, an awe-inspiring 550-kilometre journey from Mecca to Medina, to raise vital funds for children suffering from Congenital Heart Defects in Africa.

What began in 2022 as a bold, unprecedented ride has now become a defining tradition of endurance, camaraderie, and compassion. Over the past four years, the riders have collectively cycled more than 2,200 kilometres through the Saudi desert, raising over £750,000 for life-saving surgeries.

This year, the club is determined to use this milestone fifth ride to push their fundraising total past the £1 million mark.

This gruelling expedition will push the cyclists through the heart of the Saudi desert, where they will face scorching 40°C heat, brutal headwinds, and over 550 kilometres of rugged terrain. For many riders, this will be their fifth crossing between these iconic cities, a testament to their resilience and deep commitment to the cause.

Shamsul Abdin, Head of the H&K Cycle Club, has recently been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in recognition of his decade-long commitment to charitable fundraising and community leadership, having raised more than £2.2 million for causes supporting women, children and vulnerable communities across the Asia and Africa.

Shamsul Abdin, MBE Head of H&K Cycle Club, commented, “Five years ago, this was an untested dream. Today, it’s a mission that has become part of who we are. Every kilometre we ride is fuelled by the strength of the children we ride for; their courage inspires us to push through the most punishing moments. 

This fifth anniversary ride is more than a milestone; it’s a celebration of hope, perseverance, and the lives we’ve been able to save together.”

The route, first conquered by the H&K Cycle Club in 2022, has only ever been completed by this team. Each year, they have faced the same unrelenting heat, dangerous highways, and physical exhaustion, yet their purpose keeps them in the saddle.

Funds raised will support Muntada Aid’s Little Hearts project, a vital initiative that has been transforming lives since 2012. Little Hearts provides free, life-saving surgeries for children from disadvantaged backgrounds across Africa and beyond, reaching nearly 3,500 children in 15 countries to date.

Kabir Miah, Programmes Manager at Muntada Aid, added, “Five years of this ride is an extraordinary achievement. The dedication and resilience of the H&K Cycle Club serve as a beacon of hope, not just for the children we support, but for anyone who believes in the power of community to drive change. 

Every pound raised gives a child the chance to live a long and healthy life.”

The H&K Cycle Club invites supporters to make this landmark year the most impactful yet. Every donation brings them closer to their £1 million target and closer to saving hundreds more lives.