Local community raises £20,000 for victims of devastating house fire

The Oldham community came together over the weekend in support of a local family affected by a devastating house fire which claimed the life of a loving mother.

On Sunday (August 6), a group of 60 people including men, women and children took part in the walk to Manchester, and so far have raised approximately £20,000 - a staggering effort.

Two of three surviving members of Sadia Shafiq’s family were present at the walk.

Sadia’s 15-year-old daughter is still in a critical condition in hospital.

The fire broke out on June 24 on Saint Thomas Street North, where Sadia tragically died at the scene.

One the organisers of the walk was Afruz Miah BEM, otherwise known as the ‘Running Man’ of Oldham.

He said: “ All three ward councillors, including Shoaib Akhtar, Fida Hussain and Nyla Ibrahim, were also part of the walk which went to the local fire station on Hollins Road as its first pit stop.

"The family were grateful for their swift response following the fire.

“We then walked a total of 10km all the way to the fire station in Manchester.

“The aim of the campaign is to raise funds in support of the surviving siblings with re-housing, healthcare, educational support and general well being, which will be monitored by the charity Global Relief Trust, who are a leading humanitarian charity working in over 10 countries including the UK.”

Afruz added: “We support families and communities abroad when a humanitarian catastrophe strikes, but this time we need to respond rapidly and do our bit as the catastrophe happened on our doorstep.

“The support of the community has been phenomenal, especially from 30 local businesses who have sponsored the walkers t-shirts, raising a staggering £6,000 alone.”

Local councillor Shoaib Akhtar, who helped with organising the event, said: “The family have lost everything, from personal belongings to whatever you have in a typical home such as furniture.

"They have also lost their memories as well.”

Another councillor, Fida Hussain, said: “I’m pleased to be here in support of the grieving family.

"Hopefully Sadia’s daughter recovers quickly.

"It was so nice to see so many people coming out in support.

"Every penny raised will go directly to the family.”

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