In our last newsletter, we shared a story about Imran and Natasha, who are raising money for children’s cancer services at UCLH, while their son Aaran is being treated for Ewing sarcoma. Imran shares Aaran’s story as he prepared for his biggest fundraising challenge, the London Marathon.
“UCLH’s cancer treatment and support to patients is incredible. Our son, ten-year old Aaran, rang the bell on March 22nd after 14 cycles of chemotherapy to treat a rare and aggressive bone cancer called Ewings sarcoma. We have been impressed and humbled by the excellent medical and all-round care patients receive, as well as the resilience that cancer patients show.”
Imran Aziz
To support the work of UCLH, the family engaged in a big fundraising drive, with the support of friends and family from around the globe. Fundraising events have included a half marathon in Almaty, Kazakhstan, a sponsored children’s bike ride in Nairobi, Kenya, office events in Washington DC and Kazakhstan, as well as a dear colleague removing his beloved moustache after being firmly attached to it for nearly a decade.
Each event was supported by a group of dedicated friends who made incredible efforts to raise awareness and show how creativity can be used to make a difference. Fundraising efforts have raised almost US$58,000, surpassing their initial fundraising target.
Each event was supported by a group of dedicated friends who made incredible efforts to raise awareness and show how creativity can be used to make a difference. Fundraising efforts have raised almost US$58,000, surpassing their initial fundraising target.
In September 2024, Imran ran the Almaty half marathon with a great turnout of support from colleagues, who also organised an auction which showcased the artwork of Central Asia. A big thank you to Norbert and all office members for the continued support, as well as a special shout out to Nurdaulet and Ivana for running with Imran in the event.
In January 2025, Team Karura took on a cycle challenge, raising over £10,000! “20 of Aaran’s old school mates from Nairobi held a sponsored bike ride in Karura Forest, a beautiful spot on the edge of Nairobi, where they used to live. With great effort and determination, the children cycled 5km laps.” A big shoutout to Tim, Lynn, Nikki, Jesse, Rashnik, Bhupi, Mridula, Raghav, Nick and Gemma for their efforts organising it all. Some of the children cycled an impressive 30km across the forest!
In February, Natasha’s colleague Dave chopped off his iconic horseshoe moustache, which has long been a fascinating talking point for all who know him. Vicky did a fantastic job of drumming up support from colleagues, which raised over US$8,000.
In March, Imran’s colleagues held a get together of colleagues far and wide in Washington DC and raised over US$10,000 in a huge show of support. A huge thank you to Carolina for hosting the event and to Amanda for coordinating.
Our thanks to everyone who has fundraised or donated, to help surpass their incredible £50,000 target!
