Oldhamer Milad set to run a gruelling 5k each day during Ramadan

An Oldham man is planning to run 5km each day during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan all in aid of charity while fasting.

Milad Sarwar, who is 25, will be raising funds for the charity Nessa’s Trust, which he founded in 2019. 

It is named after his grandmother, who he says is the most important and inspirational person in his life. 

The charity will use the money raised to gift homes to families in Bangladesh.

He will run in various locations in Oldham including Dovestone’s and major parks like Alexandra Park.

The marketing graduate hopes to raise at least £3,000 and said the training for this challenge was “gruelling” as he is new to running, so running 5k a day will be “challenging”.

Milad, from Coppice, said: “The challenge aims to raise funds for struggling families in Bangladesh, providing food, shelter, and emergency aid to those living in extreme poverty.

“What started as a small initiative to provide clean water wells has grown into a lifeline for families, delivering emergency flood relief, building homes, and ensuring people in need receive food and support.”

Milad has worked tirelessly to support some of the poorest communities in Bangladesh, ensuring they have access to basic necessities such as housing.

His previous fundraising campaigns have raised thousands of pounds for vital aid. 

In 2022, he raised £20,000 in just two days to provide emergency assistance for families affected by the devastating Bangladesh floods, which left millions homeless. 

In other challenges, Milad and his team climbed Mount Snowdon and the UK’s biggest mountain, Ben Nevis while fasting, pushing themselves to the limit to highlight the struggles of those who go without food every day.

Milad achieved a first-class honours degree and added: “Running 5km every day while fasting is tough, but I wanted to push myself even further this year. 

“In Bangladesh, I’ve seen rickshaw drivers cycling 15-20km every single day while fasting, just to earn a small living. 

“After all that hard work, some of them still go to bed hungry.

"I’m only running a fraction of their distance, and I’ll be able to rest after. 

“They don’t have that luxury.

"That’s why this challenge is so important - it’s about standing with them and raising awareness about their struggles.

“I’ve walked through villages where families live in tiny homes that flood every time it rains.

“I’ve met children who don’t know if their next meal will come.

"I’ve spoken to parents who feel completely helpless because no matter how hard they work, they can’t escape poverty. 

“When you see that with your own eyes, you realise how much we take for granted.”

In 2024, producers from ITV’s Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway invited Milad and his team to the show after recognising their charity work. 

As a surprise, every audience member, including Nessa’s Trust volunteers, were gifted an all-inclusive holiday in appreciation of their charity work.

“It was an incredible moment, but for us, the real reward is making a difference in people’s lives. That’s what keeps us going,” Milad said.

Bangladesh is facing one of its most difficult years.

With political instability, rising food prices, and worsening economic conditions, life for the country’s poorest is becoming even harder.

Milad added: “While many benefit from instability, the ones who suffer the most are the poor.

"When governments fail, when prices rise, when corruption spreads - it is always the most vulnerable who are left behind. 

“That’s why we will never stop fighting for them.

"We want to make sure the world doesn’t forget them.

“We are so lucky to have the lives we do, yet so many people around the world struggle just to survive. 

“I hope this challenge inspires more young people to get involved in charity work, whether that’s through fundraising, volunteering, or even starting their own charity organisation. 

“It doesn’t take much to make a difference - you just have to care enough to try.

“Starting Nessa’s Trust has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

"It’s shown me that even small efforts can change lives, and I hope more people, especially the younger generation, realise that they have the power to do the same. 

“If more people come together to help those in need, the world will be a much better place.”

To support the Ramadan Running Challenge and help provide food, shelter, and emergency aid for families in Bangladesh, please click here

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