Rafik Gaffar, injured in 2019, plans a 30km challenge on 13 November to help the New Malden Muslim Association close a £300,000 gap on its community centre.
A retired accountant who has lived with pain and limited mobility since an accident in New Malden seven years ago plans to cover 30km to raise money for a new community centre in the town.
Rafik Gaffar, a retired management consultant and former accountant, wrote to Kingston Wire on 12 October. He says his life “changed dramatically following an accident at a B&Q store in New Malden in August 2019”.
“I have lived with significant mobility difficulties and persistent pain since then,” he wrote.
His challenge is provisionally set for Friday 13 November. The money will go towards a permanent community centre being developed by the New Malden Muslim Association.
The challenge
Mr Gaffar describes it as “a personal 30 km charity challenge”. He expects to need an electric or power wheelchair to complete it, and says he is exploring support from mobility companies.
“Despite these challenges, I am determined to undertake” it, he wrote.
He has not yet published a route, a start time or a meeting point, and the date is still provisional.
Inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore
Mr Gaffar says his inspiration is the late Captain Sir Tom Moore, “whose remarkable fundraising demonstrated how an individual can make a difference regardless of age or physical limitations.”
He also points to the BBC’s DIY SOS programme featuring Ahmed and Rifat Ali, a deaf couple, and their children. In his words, it “demonstrated how a compelling human story, the determination to overcome adversity and the generosity of a community can capture the public’s imagination and inspire people to make a difference.”
“My intention is not personal recognition, but to demonstrate that disability and adversity need not prevent someone from contributing to society,” he wrote.
What the money is for
The New Malden Muslim Association is working towards a permanent community centre in the town. Mr Gaffar describes the vision as “a welcoming place serving the wider community”. He lists:
- opportunities for young people
- support for vulnerable residents
- community activities
- “a lasting legacy for future generations”
The figures he gave are estimates at the time of writing:
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Indicative cost of the property | £1.5 million |
| Raised so far | about £1.2 million |
| Still outstanding | about £300,000 |
More money will be needed on top of that to convert the building from a domestic home into a community centre, he says. Planning consent and change of use have already been secured, according to Mr Gaffar.
What it means for you
Mr Gaffar says he hopes to “encourage volunteers and members of the wider community to participate in or support the initiative.” He has a fundraising page and says he can share it; we will add the link to this story when we have it, along with the confirmed date and route.
Have your say