Luton boxer will run 50k in honour of close friend battling stage four brain tumour

Rahin Uddin, 22, is taking on the mighty challenge this Saturday to help his chum Amani Liaquat, who was diagnosed with an inoperable grade four cancer during the first national lockdown.

Rahin is now on a mission to raise £5,000 for Brain Tumour Research and help to spread the word about the charity.

Rahin said: "I remember when we found out it was actually on her birthday. They say that your life can change overnight - Amani's life changed in literally a few hours.

"Amani is a close friend from high school and a neighbour. Anyone who knows of her can confirm she is one of the most purest souls.

"Whoever has had the privilege of meeting Amani can without a doubt admit that her humorous and bubbly character is most definitely one of a kind. I can’t stress how important it is to help build awareness for the brain tumour research campaign; funding is needed to help find a cure."

Rahin added: "Brain tumours are killing more children and more adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, but only one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumour research."

Rahin is a boxer at West Herts ABC, Watford, his run has been promoted and backed by the local Luton community as well as social media influencers such as premier league football player Jamal Lewis (Newcastle Utd FC), digital story teller Stevothemadman and film maker T1 Official.

It will be his first ever marathon and ultra marathon in one go.

Rahin said: "As a boxer, I only run short distances, so this is the first time I’ve trained for long distance running.

"I announced my run in January, but then I caught Covid. I didn't want to move the date, though, because March is Brain Tumour Awareness Month. I’ve had four weeks to train for the up and coming run. Throwing myself in the deep end has been mentally challenging for me, but it’s most definitely a challenge I’m excited for."

Rahin would like to thank his boxing coaches Saud Hafiz, Nasar Khan, and Joseph Icarangal for their support, as well as personal trainer Ciarain Shanahan who inspired him to take on the challenge.

His challenge both starts and finishes at Broughton Avenue, Luton, and will begin this Saturday (March 27) at 10.30am.

Rahin added: "Amani and I have kept in contact since school and she is one of my closest friends.

"At the end of the race, she is going to meet me at Broughton Avenue and we will cross the finish line together.

"I want to do something for Amani and others who are also suffering to provide them with some hope through raising funds for the research and developments for this charity.”

To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/r-uddinTo find out more, visit: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMw8DZSpiIS/?igshid=1fv8ft4au1orwAmani was diagnosed with a tumour called Glioblastoma Multiforme, Grade 4 (GBM4), H3K27 mutation in April 2020, on her 22nd birthday.

To read previous coverage of her story in the Luton News, visit: https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/people/luton-familys-desperate-search-treatment-after-daughter-diagnosed-aggressive-brain-tumour-3054596