Teenager pedals to Paris for Palestine

A Rochdale teenager completed the ‘pedal for Palestine’ with a group of cyclists in August.

Taiyba Razzaq, 18, was the youngest cyclist to take part in the challenge, which saw 26 people cycle from London’s Tower Bridge to Paris, raising over £1,173 for Medical Aid for Palestinians.

The former Rochdale Sixth Form student said: “I've always been involved in charity work, organising events, working at my local community radio station and Planet Mercy’s monthly soup kitchen for refugees. However, this time I wanted to do something very different and out of my comfort zone.”

All 26 cyclists cycled 65 miles from Tower Bridge to Newhaven, before catching a ferry to Dieppe in France.

The second day was the longest day as the group cycled 95 miles to Cergy, staying in a hotel before the final 22 miles into Paris.

 

 

Taiyba added: “After the first 40 miles to Cergy, it was quite challenging, cycling up a myriad of hills but the scenery in the French countryside was beautiful.

“The following day we cycled 22 miles to Paris. We had reached our destination by lunch time and then had a few hours to look around before getting the Eurostar back to St Pancras.

“I returned home with lots of bruises on my legs, but it was worth it as it's all for a good cause. I can say it has been the best experience by far and I've made so many lovely friends and it's given me more confidence that I can do anything.”

Taiyba, who is going to study psychology at university, continued: “Helping the needy has always been an integral part of my life and I believe that as a young British citizen with everything in arms' reach, I feel obliged to help those in need.

“Now put politics aside and the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians: no-one deserves to be denied their basic human rights.

“I believe that everyone should support this great cause and, in doing so, allow less fortunate others to experience a sense of belonging which they may have not already experienced.”

To donate, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/taiyba-razzaq