Tariq Qadeer: Running for IKCA

One of Imran Khan Cancer Appeal’s (IKCA) most dedicated volunteers, Tariq Qadeer is a first generation Pakistani man, hailing from West Yorkshire, and a dedicated father of two. At first glance, your unconscious bias might be hard pressed to imagine that one of his favourite pastimes is climbing mountains and running for charity. It’s a bias the 46 year-old pokes fun at with good humour when he tells us he’s 25.

“I started fundraising for IKCA from May 2006, when I did my first half Marathon in Leeds,” he recalls, and then goes on to talk about why he’s been committed to supporting IKCA all these years. “I was big fan of Imran Khan as a cricketer, and I became a bigger fan since he started doing the charity work. My paternal uncle and my maternal aunty in Pakistan, both died of cancer in the early 90s. I saw their suffering and helplessness. And I saw the standards of treatment in Pakistan. I know first-hand how vital IKCA’s work is.”

We ask Tariq about his last Leeds half marathon. It’s his tenth one now, and we want to know if they’re getting easier or harder over the years.

“It was very hard this time, as I couldn’t find enough time to train. I’ve had some knee pain for the past couple of years. And during the last 2-3 miles of the run, it was hurting a lot. Even though I took two ibuprofen before the race, covered it with pain relief gel and strapped on a knee support! Also I injured my big toe and it looks like I’m going to lose the nail over the next month or so. It’s turning blue!”

Despite his injuries and the knee pain, Tariq is proud of his finish time, which was 2.25.55 hours. Out of the 9000 people who took part in the race, he came in at 5661st place. “For the half marathon, you are supposed to do a minimum 8-10 weeks training,” he explains. “But I only had 4-5 weeks to train this time, due to work.” Tariq’s enthusiasm is contagious. It makes one want to go out and grab a pair of running shoes. It comes as a surprise then when he admits that he doesn’t in fact really like running. So why do it?

“I do the half marathon every year for two reasons: One, it makes fundraising easier because when people see you putting in the work and going through the hardship, they donate generously. And two, it helps me to lose all the excess weight I put on over the previous year.”

Tariq goes on to explain that he much prefers the mountain treks, even though they’re quite difficult. He’s been organising the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge since 2013, with money raised going towards IKCA and the Candlelighters Trust –a children’s cancer charity in Yorkshire. The next one is coming up in August so do get in touch if you want to take part. Meanwhile, does Tariq have any advise for first-time trekkers, runners and volunteers?

“My advice would be: talk about it. Whatever fears, reservations, ideas, or suggestions you have, speak to someone who has done it. Not everyone enjoys or is made for physical/sports challenges. But everyone has the ability to do something special for cause that’s close to their hearts. So don’t hold back. Speak to people at IKCA. Tell them what you can offer, whether it’s your time, or even just spreading the word amongst your friends/family. The key is to have a ‘Can Do’ attitude. Also try to give it a go at least once. If you don’t like it, don’t do it next time. But you won’t know that unless you try.”

And lastly, what are Tariq’s hopes for the near future with regards to his voluntary work and challenges?

“I’m hoping that more IKCA volunteers will be able to join me this year for the Yorkshire Three Peaks. For all the challenges I organise, I call the volunteer team, ‘Team Imran Khan.’ The bigger that team is, the bigger the difference we can make for cancer patients in Pakistan. Also, when I first started running the Leeds half marathon years ago, my dream was that one day there’d be at least 15 people in Team Imran Khan.  That dream hasn’t come true yet.  For some reasons, Asian people don’t get involve as much in physical activities, especially running! Perhaps this is one of the main reasons why the rate of heart problems is so high in our community. I urge you all to break the stereotype! Challenge yourself and make a real difference. I cannot describe how satisfying it is in the long run.”

Tariq Qadeer’s next Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is scheduled for Sunday the 30^th of August. If you’d like to join him and Team Imran Khan, contact us.

Meanwhile, Tariq Qadeer is still fundraising for the Leeds Half Marathon he completed with flying colours and two injuries. You can donate to his efforts and IKCA’s vital work at: www.justgiving.com/Teamimrankhan/