Akke Rahman, 41, an Oldham man and brand ambassador for UK Islamic Mission (UKIM), embarks on his second Mount Everest ascent as part of a charity-driven endeavor to conquer 14 of the world’s highest peaks.
The 14 Peaks Challenge kicked off on April 24 in Nepal, with the second phase planned for June-July 2024 in Pakistan. Rahman aims to finish by September 2025, having previously achieved notable climbing feats including Mount Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc, and Mount Elbrus, Asian Image reported.
“I’m a bit nervous about the climb, but I have to take each day as it comes. I am confident I can do it, but I do have a bit of anxiety,” Akke said.
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He hopes to raise £1.5m for UKIM who will help people in Gaza, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen, and others including UK charitable projects to help communities that are struggling.
“I like to test myself and my body which God has created. I like to push the boundaries and limits and see where I can go. It is my passion as I like the gruel and the climb. I am happy to help the less well off and raise funds for them,” he added.
“This is what fuels my passion and I hope to raise £1.5m for UKIM who will help people in Gaza, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen, and others including UK charitable projects to help communities that are struggling.
“The mountains and terrain here are beautiful. You can see grass and shrub when climbing higher. But the mountains with snow caps are really beautiful and majestic. God has created such a beautiful world.”
Inspiring Youth
Tahir Naseer, Akke’s manager, said: “UKIM is one of the oldest charity organisations in the UK. 99% of our activities are carried out by volunteers. It operates in 16 different countries.
“UKIM aims to inspire youth and raise awareness and to promote healthy living and good habits. The 14 peaks is an exclusive challenge as only 52 people have ever successfully completed it. Akke is set to be the 53rd.”
In 2022, Mountaineer Akke Rahman became the first British Muslim to climb Mount Everest, completing the dream journey he started while observing Ramadan to raise funds for orphans’ shelter.
Also in 2022, Manal Rostom, a Muslim mountaineer and marathon runner, made the achievement by reaching the summit of Mount Everest. Rostom has been planning for this ambition since 2018.
Jarah al-Hawamdeh, a Palestinian refugee, who lost his leg to bone cancer, also made the journey to Everest summit in 2020 to save a cash-strapped UNRWA school.