LONDON: A cycling team from London will undertake a journey of 550 km from Makkah to Madinah in Saudi Arabia later this month to raise funds for children in Africa with congenital heart defects.

The H&K Cycle Club will take on the challenge through the Hejaz region for the fifth successive year, aiming to raise £1 million (SR5 million) after raising over £750,000 for lifesaving surgeries last year.

Shamsul Abdin, the head of the H&K Cycle Club, said: “Every kilometer we ride is fueled by the strength of the children we ride for. Their courage inspires us to push through the most punishing moments.”

Abdin was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in December for his contribution to charitable fundraising.

He added: “This fifth anniversary ride is more than a milestone: it’s a celebration of hope, perseverance, and the lives we’ve been able to save together.”

The cyclists expect to face scorching heat, brutal headwinds, dangerous highways and physical exhaustion. For many riders, this will be their fifth ride in Hejaz, Abdin said.

Funds raised will support Muntada Aid’s Little Hearts project, which provides free, lifesaving surgeries for children across Africa. The project has helped nearly 3,500 children in 15 countries since its inception in 2012.

Kabir Miah, programs manager at Muntada Aid, said: “Every pound raised gives a child the chance to live a long and healthy life.”