Friends and family of popular Peterborough cricketer climb Ben Nevis in his honour
Friends and family of Kasim Ikhlaq have climbed Ben Nevis in his memory after the local cricketer passed away, aged 30, in July.
The climb was organised mostly by his friend Saffy, with assistance from Kasim’s older brother Asif 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 - Sunday September 6 to do so.
The first group set off from Peterborough at 6am on the Friday to make the roughly ten 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) above sea level, 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 needed was a Tesco 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 7 hours, with others starting and finishing later.
Many that took part also made donations towards the family’s charity of choice, Children of Adam UK.
The Peterborough based charity were 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.
The charity also produced hoodies commemorating the walk and gifted them to everyone.
Asif added: “Coming down 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, none were anywhere to be seen the following three days.
“Barring a few injuries, we all made it though, it was a brilliant effort from everybody and it was thanks to Kasim for pulling us all through.
“My father was with us and he did around half of it but for someone who’s not well it was cracking effort.
“The whole weekend was emotional for me but it was great to see everyone give so much and it shows what kind of person Kasim was.
“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.
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