Solihull GP takes on a marathon challenge for hospital patients in memory of his mother
Solihull GP Arif Zafar may describe himself as the “opposite of a runner” but he’s taken on the challenge of running the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon in memory of his mother Shahnaz.
Shahnaz died in 2013 after a road accident, when she was just 66.
Now Arif, 42, is raising money for patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham’s (QEHB) Critical Care Unit.
“My mum was crushed by a lorry on a pedestrian crossing in Moseley and succumbed to her injuries 10 days later. She was the archetypal mum – always fussing and cooking for anyone and everyone who came home!” he said.
“I will never forget the care, compassion and kindness of the staff in the Critical Care Unit who looked after my mother.
“I intend to raise money for this amazing ward which can benefit other patients in need.”
The GP aims to raise £2,000 for the QEHB Charity.
“It was the worst time for our family and my mum is greatly missed by my dad, all her kids and grandkids.
“I know I can’t repay the QEHB staff for their overwhelming compassion but I vowed to give something back. It is quite an undertaking as a novice runner but I’m following my training programme and this is something I can do,” added Arif.
“It’s a tribute to my mother who wouldn’t believe I was doing something so stupid!”
Laura Power, Senior Fundraiser at QEHB Charity, said: “We are delighted that Arif has decided to run the London Marathon for QEHB Charity, and we look forward to welcoming him on the day!
The money kindly donated by Arif will go towards funding extra equipment, facilities, research and ‘added extras’ for patients in Critical Care, over and above what the NHS is able to fund.
“We’d like to wish Arif the best of luck and thank him for his generosity.”
To sponsor Arif, please go to: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Arif-Zafar2 or to find out more about QEHB Charity: www.qehb.org or call 0121 371 4852.
The Virgin Money London Marathon 2017 takes place on Sunday 23rd April.