Leeds firefighter and friend running 10K a day for charity during Ramadan

Leeds Fire Station firefighter Hassan Abrar, 30, and civil servant Azam Ahmed Khan, 39, started their daily run challenge on April 13 and have pledged to keep going every day up to and including May 12.

The two friends, who are fasting during daylight hours, are raising funds for charity The Akhirah Team based in Harehills.

The charity does humanitarian work in the UK and around the world.

Hassan said: " We are doing this to help the unfortunate in Palestine during Ramadan, where our donations will provide food parcels, hearing aids for children, water and minor operations."

Dad of one Hassan, of Whinmoor, added: "It is very difficult but the motivation is raising funds for people who have to go without food or water every day.

"We are getting an appreciation of what other people have to go through."

Hassan, who plays in central midfield for Alwoodley FC in the Yorkshire Amateur League, said he has already lost around 4.5lbs in weight.

He said: "A lot of people have called me crazy, they don't know how I'm going to do it.

"I like a challenge and once I have set myself a challenge I will complete it, no matter what."

Hassan, who has been a firefighter for two years, said he is trying to complete the runs as late as possible each day.

The two friends are doing some runs together and some separately, depending on work commitments.

They have set themselves a target of raising £5,000 for the Akhirah Team charity.

Department for Work and Pensions worker Azam, of Roundhay, is used to tackling tough challenges.

In 2019 he climbed Kilimanjaro to raise cash for Sheffield Children's Hospital.

Azam said: "It is difficult, but I'm putting on a brave face and I'm motivated to keep going for such a good cause."

Click here to donate to Hassan and Azam fundraiser.