Local student, Adam Al-khateb, writes for us on his charity cycle ride from Edinburgh to London.

“On the 1st of August I will be participating in a cycling charity event called The Big Ride. Myself and hundreds of other cyclists from around the UK will be cycling from the Meadows in Edinburgh down to Westminster in London over 9 days to show support and raise awareness of the urgent humanitarian cause in Palestine.”

“I will be cycling around 500 miles from Edinburgh to London in an event called The Big Ride. I am doing this to raise funds for the children of Palestine through a charity called ” Middle East Children’s Alliance”. The charity MECA helps the most vulnerable children particularly in Gaza where they still suffer from the conflict in 2014. MECA and The Big Ride will work together to provide emergency aid to families in Gaza, deliver medicine and medical supplies to hospitals. This project will also reduce children’s risk of disease and malnutrition by addressing basic needs for food, medical care and adequate shelter that could impact their development and long-term health. By involving children in creative community activities, the project will also protect children’s long-term mental health, making them more resilient against the risks of severe anxiety, depression, aggression and withdrawal.

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I feel honoured to be able to take part in such a fantastic event like The Big Ride. I feel it is so important so show the people of Palestine that they are not alone in the world and that there are people that support their cause. This event is an excellent way to help raise awareness and put pressure on governments to find peaceful solutions to the on-going conflict. I have not done anything like this before but have never been so enthusiastic show my support to such a great cause. It will be a massive challenge but with every mile I ride, I will remember all the people that will be helped.”

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The Big Ride’s website. Gives detailed information on the entire event, how to join, how to help, donate etc.•http://www.redspokes.co.uk/thebigride/index.php•

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My teams Just Giving page, with each team members own individual page. https://www.justgiving.com/teams/project1977747

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