In January 2025, the H&K Cycle Club from East London will once again undertake an awe-inspiring 550-kilometre journey from Mecca to Medina to raise vital funds for children suffering from Congenital Heart Defects in Africa. This fourth annual challenge sees the team aiming to raise an unprecedented £500,000, building on the £350,000 they have already secured through past rides.
This gruelling expedition will push the cyclists through the heart of the Saudi desert, where they will brave headwinds, scorching 40°C heat, and over 550 kilometres of rugged terrain. For many riders, this marks their fourth ride between these iconic cities, bringing their collective total to over 2,000 kilometres ridden under some of the harshest cycling conditions on earth.
Shamsul Abdin, Head of H&K Cycle Club, commented, “This ride goes far beyond a test of endurance. Every kilometre symbolises hope and life for children in critical need. I am incredibly proud of the team—many of whom have dedicated themselves to this journey year after year. With each push of the pedal, we are funding life-saving surgeries for children who otherwise may not survive. It’s the strength of these children that drives us forward through the most challenging moments.”
The route, first conquered by the H&K Cycle Club in 2022, has only ever been completed by this team. They have faced unrelenting desert heat, crowded highways, brutal headwinds and the exhaustion that comes from cycling for days in extreme conditions. Yet, the goal—saving children’s lives—makes the hardship worth enduring.
Funds raised from the event will support Muntada Aid’s Little Hearts project, a vital initiative that has been transforming lives since its founding in 2012. Little Hearts delivers free, life-saving surgeries for children from disadvantaged backgrounds across Africa and beyond, reaching nearly 3,000 children across 15 countries to date.
Kabir Miah, Programmes Manager at Muntada Aid, added, “The dedication and resilience of the H&K Cycle Club serve as a beacon of hope. Every single pound raised provides a fighting chance for a child who may otherwise face a life cut short. This ride isn’t just about cycling—it’s about giving children a chance to live long and healthy lives.”
