Our Frequently Asked Questions:

When and where is it taking place?

Saturday 16th October 2021. Registration will be at 8.30am. We will aim to leave at 9am.

Will HHUGS provide transport?

Yes. Minibus transport will be provided from East London Mosque, South London (SW2) and may be provided from West London, subject to demand. If the minibuses places are not filled for a particular meeting point, we reserve the right to transfer the meeting point to one of the other locations to ensure that all places are filled. Return transport will also be provided. Transport will depart at 9am.

Participants are also free to make their own way to Virginia Water and meet us at the park.

How much does it cost to participate?

All participants are required to pay a £15 registration fee which is non-refundable, in the event of cancellation.

How will I get there?

HHUGS will provide minibus transport from East London Mosque, and subject to demand, from meeting points, in South and West London. If the minibuses places are not filled for a particular meeting point, we reserve the right to transfer the meeting point to one of the other locations to ensure that all places are filled.

If you prefer to make your own way then to travel:

By Train

• Nearest railway stations are Egham, Windsor Central and Windsor Riverside, Ascot and Virginia Water
• From London Paddington – First Great Western trains operate a service to Windsor Central via a change at Slough
• South West Trains operate services from London Waterloo to the other stations
• A taxi will be needed to complete your journey into the Park – this usually takes around 15 to 20 mins depending on traffic
• The mountain biking trails of Swinley Forest are 1.7 miles from Martins Heron train station and 2.1 miles from Bracknell train station

If you are travelling by car, please use the car park: Virginia Water (Sat Nav code: GU25 4QF)

Is parking available at the event?

Yes, limited parking is available in a number of car parks, which will be of charge for those who will be making their own way. If parking for more than 3 hours, a £12 rate applies. Car parks are open daily from 7am to 7pm or sunset when earlier. All car parks only accept debit and credit cards for payment. Please check here for pricing and directions.

How long is the event?

Registration will begin at 8.30am at East London Mosque and any other agreed meeting points. The minibus will then reach Virginia Water by 11am.

How difficult is the hike?

The hike is considered easy, and the surface is rated as moderate. We may have a more challenging route available.

Does the event cover health and safety regulations?

Yes, we have undertaken a full risk assessment and will ensure the event is COVID-19 secure and compliant with all government guidelines at the time.

How much do I have to raise?

We request everyone fundraises a minimum of £150. Participants must ensure they raise at least 75% of the minimum fundraising target before the event date. Failure to make sufficient efforts to raise 75% of your target may mean that your place is offered to another participant, as transport will be limited. This is to ensure that we are fair to all participants who have made the effort to surpass their target.

Are there any age restrictions?

All are welcome, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. or guardian. Parents should take full responsibility for any children brought on the hike. We rely on the parents’ discretion in reviewing the route and ascertaining whether the duration of the walk is something that their children will be able to complete.

Will lunch and dinner be provided?

Lunch will be provided for all participants. You will have the option of selecting a chicken or vegetarian sandwich option upon registration. The chicken will be halal. The lunch will also include crisps, sweet treat and a bottle of water.

What should I wear?

Anything you find comfortable and warm. Waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended depending on weather but trainers or decent walking shoes should suffice. You may wish to wear a face mask.

I haven’t fundraised before, where do I start?

There are many ways to fundraise and when you sign up, we will give you great ideas and we are always at hand to give you further support.

Don’t be put off by high targets or numbers that seem impossible to reach. Aim big and you will always surpass your expectations. Whatever is done sincerely for the sake of Allah is always blessed, whether you raise £150 or £10,000!

On a practical level, if £150 seems daunting at first, just break it down as getting 15 friends to donate £10.

Many of our fundraisers had no prior fundraising experience and doubted they could raise £150, but within just 48 hours of launching their page, they went on to raise £1000 each.

The simplest method is through a crowdfunding page on our leaderboard which will automatically be created when you register to collect your funds.

We’re on hand to support and encourage you at every stage, and if you’re not a confident wordsmith, we can provide template messages for you to share if you’re short of ideas.

Remember to use all means at your disposal to share your page – WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, Tiktok and SMS. Some fundraisers even made videos to encourage people, and got their parents and children to compete with them in the process!

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced fundraiser, this method is tried and tested.

If you’re not so social media savvy and prefer more traditional methods, the good thing is, there are so many ways to raise funds!

Check out our Fundraising Toolkit for a complete A-Z of unique fundraising ideas, simple steps to fundraising success, how to stay safe and more! You can also simply request a penny box by calling 0207 733 2104 or emailing [email protected]

What if I don’t reach my target?

We’re confident with a bit of effort and with the help of Allah, you’ll easily reach your goals. We know from past experience, that our supporters have achieved great feats and surpassed their expectations.

When you purify your intention, make the effort, say Bismillah and make du’a that Allah blesses your efforts – then you cannot go wrong, no matter what the outcome.

“Whoever intends to perform a good deed but does not do it, Allah will record it as a complete good deed.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

What’s in it for me?

The Waterside Wander – Virginia Water Sisters Hike provides the perfect opportunity for you to meet up with friends, family and loved ones and enjoy a great Summer’s day out! If you’ve been feeling lazy, now’s the time to start working those muscles! Physical activity not only keeps our bodies healthy but it boosts our mood, alleviates depression and improves our cognitive function.

If that wasn’t enough of a reason, every day, charity is due on each of our joints. Charity is not a burden or obligation on us, it is a privilege and a responsibility. When we have been blessed by Allah, the best way to show gratitude to Him is by using those same blessings to help others.

Charity invites untold blessings into your own life and protects you from so many hardships you weren’t even aware you were saved from. Allah loves those who serves others so rowing to relieving the burdens of the brothers and sisters right on our doorstep.

You may not have huge sums of money to give, but this challenge provides a golden opportunity for any individual to make a difference – whether you’re blessed with disposable income or otherwise.

What is also amazing about fundraising is that you’ll be rewarded for whatever your friends donate, without decreasing in their reward in the least.

“Whoever guides someone to virtue will be rewarded equivalent to him who practices that good action.” (Bukhari).

What happens to the money I raise?

The money you raise will help provide pastoral, practical and financial support to families who need it most – women, children and elderly parents of detainees, whose lives have been torn apart following the trauma of a raid.

At HHUGS we know raids can literally tear families apart. That’s why we’re here, helping families whose lives have been devastated by detention to find their feet amidst the chaos, at a time when the rest of the community have often abandoned them. Every penny raised by competitors like you will allow sisters like Nazia to keep a roof over her head and will mean her children don’t go hungry.

“HHUGS came and picked me up at a time when I really thought I would end up sitting outside a branch of Tesco begging. Once I left the hostel, I feared I would wind up homeless and it was exactly then when HHUGS came and stood by me with the support I needed. Their support means I can keep a roof over my head, pay my council tax and cover my grocery expenses with monthly shopping vouchers. If you truly want to store great reward for your hereafter, come together to support HHUGS in every way you possibly can.”

Read Nazia’s story

HHUGS is the only UK registered charity currently supporting over 225 families – that’s more than 740 individuals – impacted by national security measures. Every penny raised in taking part in this challenge will allow us to support some of the most isolated families in the UK, vulnerable women, children and the elderly, who have been ostracised and stigmatised by society.

Your fundraising can transform lives.

Find out what we can do with the money you raise.

£50 could unite children with their father by facilitating a prison visit.

£100 could pay for a family’s utility bills.

£250 could provide food and basic necessities for a sister and her children for a month

£500 could protect a family from eviction and provide them with a roof over their head, security and protection from the elements.

£1000 could alleviate the debts that a family struggle to pay.

£2000 could empower a sister on the path to independence and self-sufficiency.

Jazaakum Allahu khaira for signing up. You will make a huge difference to the lives of people.

How fit do I need to be?

A particular fitness level is not required. All are welcome to take part.