Farron meets Muslim Youth Association raising funds for flood victims

South Lakeland MP Tim Farron met with members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association this Saturday, to set off their charity cycle ride across Cumbria to raise money for flood victims.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association are raising money for the Cumbria Community Foundation as part of their ongoing charity work. A group of around 50 young people from the group took part in the charity cycle ride around Cumbria, whilst others did a sponsored walk. The route taken by the cyclists was designed to take in a number of the areas across Cumbria that were affected by the floods.

Last winter, around 350 members of the group travelled from across the country during the floods to help flood victims in Kendal and other areas of the north of England. A few months ago, the group were given the Spirit of Cumbria award, in recognition of their efforts during this time.

Tim met the group on Saturday morning, before setting the group off on their two-day trip. Their route started at Sandylands Methodist Church in Kendal, and headed to Keswick before ending up in Appleby.

Tim Farron commented: "The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association did fantastic work here in Cumbria during the devastating floods last winter. It was a real boost to our community to see people coming from across the country to help us in our time of need.

"The group has now continued its efforts to support flood victims through this charity cycle ride. It was great to meet the group on Saturday, and to thank them personally for their efforts. They are fantastic ambassadors for young people and for their faith."

Speaking previously on the role of young Muslims in British society, the Caliph and worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: "We must prove to the world that our words are not hollow. Rather, we must prove that we are living our lives as true ambassadors of peace and beacons of the true teachings of Islam."

Farooq Aftab, spokesperson for AMYA said: "This event is the perfect way to not only highlight the peaceful message of Islam, but also go one step further and be proactive in helping charities serve the most vulnerable in society."