Saima’s charity challenge in memory of little niece

Saima Naseem (right) with her sister Marria outside B&M in Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre

A brave little girl who lost her battle with cancer is the inspiration behind a woman’s gruelling fundraising challenge.

Saima Naseem is pushing herself to the limit to honour the memory of her niece who died at the age of four.

The 36-year-old is currently in training for the Born Survivor 10k military obstacle course in Cumbria next month and will be part of a team raising money for a nearby cancer care charity.

The feat will be a tribute to little Sahar Hussain who was diagnosed with the terminal disease as a baby.

Recalling the devastating moment her family’s life was shattered, Saima said: “My sister, Abilla first noticed there was something wrong with my niece when she developed a squint in her eye.

“She took her to the doctors and eventually further tests revealed she had cancer in her eyes, which gradually spread to her whole body.

“There was nothing that could be done for Sahar and sadly she passed away when she was just four years old.

“It was a devastating time for the entire family.”

Saima, who works at B&M Bargains in Rochdale, added: “Sahar spent almost all of her short life in hospital having treatment and chemotherapy. She was a quiet child but she absolutely loved to draw and paint.

“Like most children, she loved chips and fish fingers and watching the Teletubbies.
“I decided I wanted to do something to keep her memory alive and so taking part in the Born Survivor challenge will be my first tribute to her.”

Saima won’t be the only member of her family who will be taking on the challenge widely renowned for its “mud, sweat and fear.”

Her younger sister Marria, 30, will also be tackling the tough course which sees participants climb over walls, wade through mud and crawl through tunnels on brutal and unforgiving Lake District terrain.

The course which has been designed by British Royal Marines Commandos takes no prisoners as Saima and her sister have heard.

“We found out about the Born Survivor challenge from Marria’s fitness instructor who takes part every year,” Saima said.

“Around three months ago, we decided we would give it a go so we’ve been training hard at the gym and going to the instructor’s boot camp classes to prepare.

“It’s going to be hard but we are looking forward to the challenge and are hoping the weather will be on our side.

“Between us, we aim to raise around £500 which will go towards the Bury Cancer Unit to help children with cancer like Sahar.”

The Born Survivor challenge takes place on 5 April at Lowther Castle in Cumbria.

To support Saima and her sister visit:

https://original.justgiving.com/teams/teamdeakin

Sponsorship forms are also available at the B&M Bargains store.