It wasn’t just about paddling for a cause; it was about making waves in the lives of others. And with the help of our crew, that’s exactly what we did.
HHUGS participated in the Al-Noor Boat Race at Fairlop Waters last month. The Summer challenge has been running since 2018, bringing the community together to raise funds for charitable causes.
We had two crews representing us on the day – a male and a female team, each with 20 people. Our teams didn’t only paddle for victory, but also to raise funds for a cause that’s close to their hearts. They raised an impressive £11,965 combined, with the brothers raising £2,553 and the sisters raising a whopping £9,412.
We’re proud to say that the sisters didn’t only excel in fundraising but also in the race. They made it to the semi-finals and secured third place in their final round, making history for the HHUGS team. Now that we’ve shared their amazing results, let’s hear more from those who made it happen.
Hear from the captivating crew
We sought out a crew – not just any crew, but one that wasn’t afraid to make waves. They answered our call, and we certainly weren’t disappointed.
Liza was on board the sisters’ team; she shares how she got involved. “I heard about the race from a close friend. I’ve wanted to participate since I first learned about it two years ago. The work done by HHUGS is great. They’re helping families in the UK who would otherwise be struggling on their own.”
For others like university student, Hamza, it was an opportunity to try something new and make a splash with his fundraising. He was crowned the second-highest fundraiser, following a sister who raised an impressive £1295.
“Alhamdulilah, I raised over £1000. It was relatively easy as I only had to share it once, and people donated. This isn’t my first time fundraising, so perhaps that’s why people donated – they’re used to it. There was a lot of barakah in it, and with little effort, I achieved a great result by the will of Allah.”
While Hamza had previous fundraising experience, many participants had little to no experience, but that didn’t deter them. The hardest step is often summoning the courage to sign up. Once that’s done, HHUGS staff are there help you along the water. A sister talks more about fundraising during Dhul Hijjah:
“The HHUGS team assisted us with fundraising messages to make the fundraising as meaningful as possible. Fundraising during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah was quite easy to encourage people to give. I found the best way to share the fundraising page was through WhatsApp and by asking family members and friends.”
For sister Umm Musa, raising the highest amount she ever had for charity was the best part.
“I was happier that I went above my target than winning the race. It was a personal achievement for me. But the bonus was getting through to the semi-finals which was just amazing. So really it was a great achievement for me that day.”
Though other organisations participated in the boat race, beauty business owner Kayleigh, a member of the sister’s team, shares her motivation for choosing HHUGS:
“…they’re helping families that are looked down upon or disregarded due to accusations or discrimination. This deeply affects the families mentally and financially as they try to get through difficult times. It’s important for charities like HHUGS to exist to support them through their times of struggle.”
Hafsah, a ‘positively minded Muslimah’ and one of our energetic rowers, first heard of HHUGS 10 years ago, at a talk at East London Mosque.
“I was amazed. As contributing believers, we look far and wide to help and give sadaqah and make a difference. I learnt that you don’t need to look far to help make a difference because the struggle is on our doorstep. Through supporting HHUGS you get to support your local sisters and families who are suffering silently.”
More than just a boat race
Looking back, Kayleigh describes the entire journey as “an amazing experience, physically, mentally and spiritually.”
Like Kayleigh, many other sisters joined, raised funds, and gave their best. Each journey was unique, with individual benefits. One of the sisters shared her excitement about the results:
“Alhamdulillah, it was an amazing achievement to reach the semi-finals. The hard work paid off. It’s hard to get everyone together at every session, so for all of us to be together for the race and make it to the semi-finals was a wonderful experience.”
Many sisters spoke of the benefits in personal development, “a fun way to develop one’s own team-working skills.” For others, it was a chance to connect with new people and strengthen bonds.
“It was lovely, alhamdulillah, and I’d love to do it again – it’s such a great opportunity to meet other sisters, take on a challenge, and raise money for an amazing cause. I was so proud of the effort we all put in for this cause and on the boat, after the race you could feel that joy from completing it.”
As Hafsah describes, “seeing sisters from different parts of the city unite for a good cause was so refreshing and uplifting. I loved the team spirit that was established by the end of it.
“I also enjoyed this experience with my 12-year-old daughter, which was priceless and definitely added to strengthening our mother-daughter relationship – Alhumdulillah.”
The reason we row
Our team are undeterred and looking forward to the next race in 2024. As Hamza says, “We were a bit disappointed as we didn’t perform as best we could. Our training was limited unfortunately and the results showed but going forward we will strive to train for next year and insha Allah have a solid result.”
The 2024 boat race presents an opportunity to form more treasured memories and come together again for the sake of those who are too often neglected.
“I have such fond memories of this race. I definitely will take part again and I have already recommended to family and friends for next year! It was such an amazing event, something that I have never done before. I will cherish it forever.”
From the moment someone signs up to participate to when they’re on the water, there’s one thing that keeps everyone going. It propels the crew to row faster and encourages people to continue donating, shedding light on the reality HHUGS families face.
Under the British-blue skies, we were proud to watch our crews representing us. We were equally proud to see others silently supporting from home – with a pound in their hands and a du’a in their heart, yearning that with each stroke, a difference will be made for HHUGS families.
Though their stories aren’t heard on the day, know that no action goes in vain when helping others. It is recorded and you will be rewarded in the Hereafter, making a difference here for families who are your neighbours, loved ones, and strangers alike.
Missed out on our 2023 Boat Race? Why not sign up for our next challenge this September? Have the chance to bond with sisters and make a difference to families in need.