The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Mountain challenge in memory of cricket ace
Friends and family complete Ben Nevis fundraiser in tribute to popular cricketer Kasim Ikhlaq
Friends and family of Kasim Ikhlaq have climbed Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak, in his honour after the local cricketer passed away, aged 30.
The climb was organised by his older brother As if Rehman (39), who lives in Longthorpe, and took place on Saturday September 5.
Kasim passed away in his sleep at the family home in Netherton on July 9.
Kasim has been described by friends as a lovely guy, who no-one had a bad word to say about.
A group of nearly 50 completed the climb in his memory, staying over in Scotland from Friday September 4 to Sunday September 6 to do so.
Thefirst group set offfrom Peterborough at 6am on the Friday to make the roughly 10-hour drive to the western highlands of Scotland.
Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles, with the summit 1 , 345m (4,413ft) abovesealevel, something Asif said the group were not prepared for.
He said: “It was a huge effort to get so many people to take part at the last minute, especially since everyone arranged and paid for their own transport and accommodation.
“To be honest, we weren’t the most prepared. We all looked the part, apart from one who decided all he neededwasaTesco carrier bag, but the rest of us had our sticks and backpacks.
“Sports Direct got some good business out of us but we hadn’t done any prior training.
“The climb was relentless, it was non-stop, it was like a destructive mountain.
“I remember being shattered and asking some of the people we came across how far up we were and they said we were only half a mile up.
“There were times I thought I couldn’t do it but the thought of Kasim kept me going.
“The mindset needed was all of what he stood for, steely determination, resolve and fitness.
“I think every last bit of energy came out for him.”
The group split off into smaller groups, with the lead group up and down again in around seven hours, with others starting and finishing later.
All that took part paid for hoodies commemorating the walk to be produced, with many making donations towards the family’s charity of choice, Children of Adam UK.
The Peterborough-based charity was officially registered in 2013, with the aim of helping rough sleepers and the homeless across the city but have since expanded into supporting people across the world struggling with access to food, clean water or displacement due to conflicts or natural disasters.
Asif added: “Comingdown was a lot harder, there were a lot of broken rocks and your feet kept slipping.
“Out of all the guys that we’re up and ready to go on Saturday morning, nonewere anywhere to be seen the following three days.
“Barring a few injuries, we all madeitthough, it wasabrilliant effort from everybody andit wasthanksto Kasimfor pulling us all through.
“The whole weekend was emotional for me but it was great to see everyone give so much
“Myself and the rest of the family are so grateful to everyone that participated and donated.”
Kasim attended Thomas Deacon Academy, while playing junior cricket for Orton Park CC. He went to play with distinction for leading local clubs Nassington, Ramsey and Barnack.
‘It was thanks to Kasim pulling us through.’
Asif Rehman (Kasim pictured)