YOUNG Muslims from Ealing borough were among the 1,500+ volunteers who travelled to Willen Lake in Milton Keynes to take part in the annual AMYA Charity Challenge.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) hopes to top the quarter of a million pounds raised last year for ten UK charities, including Save the Children, The British Heart Foundation, NSPCC and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Young volunteers from Southall, Ealing and Acton spent months gearing up for the 40km bikeathon and 10km walk and run by raising money through personal sponsorship, from local businesses and by carrying out store collections at local supermarkets.

Ifham Baig, local youth leader for the AMYA said: ''We were delighted to take part in the Charity Challenge and continue our support for some great UK causes. It gives us particular pleasure and drive to be supporting these fantastic charities. Given the recent tragic events in Boston, this was also an opportunity for us as Muslims to show that true Muslims are passionate about protecting life and not harming it.''

The AMYA Charity Challenge is an annual event which local members of the AMYA have been taking part in since 1985. In addition to the event at Willen Lake, it also consists of a hike to the French Alps and the Seven Bridge run in Wales.

Dr Ingrid Roscoe, Lord-Lieutenant for West Yorkshire and a representative of Her Majesty the Queen, said: "'Thanks are due to your sponsors and to all the volunteers who have worked so hard to raise funds for the many British causes you are helping. You remind me that the Prophet of Islam said that every act of goodness is charity. This is a  philosophy I too espouse. With so many good wishes.''

Anyone wishing to support the event can send a free text ''MKAC92'' and the amount they would like to sponsor (i.e.

MKAC92 £10) to 70070 and every penny will go to charity. Alternatively, visit the event website www.mkacc.org.uk where you

can find out more about the event and donate directly to a charity through JustGiving.