Riders of Shaam are proud to announce our charity partner for 2026 is Global Relief Trust, Global Relief Trust (GRT) is one of the fastest-growing, leading Muslim charities in the UK, rooted in trust, transparency and a commitment to delivering life changing impact across the globe.

GRT specialise in sustainable long-term solutions as well as rapid response in conflict zones, disaster-stricken areas and in the hardest to reach vulnerable communities – recognised at the highest international humanitarian standards.

Verified and approved by independent scholars.

By donating your Zakat, Sadaqah or Lillah to support our campaigns or you can donate to any specific project.

GRT currently work in Gaza, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Uganda, Bangladesh & Rohingya, Pakistan, Kashmir, Lebanon, Malawi, Turkiye, Morocco, India, and the UK.

Zakat Eligible projects

Feed the Hungry:

• £10 - 100 Pieces of Bread

• £50 - 1 Month Family Food Parcel,

• £100 - 1000 Pieces of Bread

• £500 – Provide 10 families with food parcel

Sponsorships:

• £200 - Hifdh Sponsorship

• £240 - Child's Education

• £480 - Orphan Sponsorship

• £480 - Widow Sponsorship

Livelihood Projects:

• £100 - Sewing Machine (Training Included)

• £350 - Enterprise Setup Grant

• £400 - Boat 4 Life

Build a Home:

• £2,500 - Syria

• £1,000 - Bangladesh & Rohingya

• £4,000 - Yemen

Medical Projects:

• £60 - Cataract Surgery

• £60 - Provide a Wheelchair

• £100 - Fund a Hospital

• £500 - Yemen Malnourishment - Life-saving Treatment

• £750 - Physiotherapy Treatment for wounded & Terminally Sick Patients due to War, Natural Disasters & Other Causes

• £1000 – Save a pregnant womans life and the baby

Sadaqah Jariyah Projects:

Water Projects:

Water Handpump:

• £120 - Pakistan

• £200 - Bangladesh

• £420 - Uganda

Water Well & Wudu Area

• £1,000 – Pakistan

• £1,500 - Uganda

• £1,800 - Bangladesh

• £3,500 - Yemen

Plant an Olive Tree:

• £10 – Shaam Area

Ramadan Exclusive Appeals

• £300 - Kaffarah

• £5 - Fidya (Per Fast Missed)

• £5 – Fitrana (per person)

To view some more of our humanitarian projects and activities, visit www.grtuk.org

About Riders of Shaam

Riders of Shaam began in 2012 at De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester, formed by a small group of students from the ISOC prayer room who wanted to combine brotherhood, fitness, and service to humanity. What started as preparation for a single charity bike ride has grown into a community movement spanning generations, abilities, and backgrounds.

For over a decade, Riders of Shaam has completed annual long-distance cycling challenges across the UK and Europe, using endurance and teamwork to support humanitarian causes. Routes have included Leicester to Cardiff, Paris, Brussels, Dortmund, and Edinburgh, as well as international rides such as Amsterdam to Berlin, Paris to Geneva, Toulouse to Barcelona, and Lyon to Zurich. In 2020, the group adapted during COVID with a nationwide Cyclethon, continuing its mission despite global challenges.

Since 2012, Riders of Shaam has raised over £2.21 million for those in need.

Our Journey So Far (2012–2025)

2012 – Leicester → Cardiff | 190 miles | £8k

2013 – Leicester → Paris | 330 miles | £14k

2014 – Leicester → Edinburgh | 330 miles | £12k

2015 – Leicester → Brussels | 330 miles | £20k

2016 – Leicester → Dortmund | 375 miles | £63k

2017 – Leicester → Luxembourg | 375 miles | £75k

2018 – Leicester → Paris | 510 miles | £110k

2019 – Amsterdam → Berlin | 350 miles | £126k

2020 – Cyclothon (COVID adaptation) | £120k

2021 – Leicester → Edinburgh | 350 miles | £286k

2022 – Paris → Geneva | 350 miles | £391k

2023 – Amsterdam → Copenhagen | 350 miles | £457k

2024 – Toulouse → Barcelona | 350 miles | £373k

2025 – Lyon → Zurich | 350 miles | £155k

Built on faith, community, and perseverance, Riders of Shaam believes physical activity is a powerful tool for wellbeing and unity. While cycling remains at its core, the group encourages running, swimming, hiking, and other activities for all ages. Participants range from 12-year-olds to riders in their 60s, united by mutual support rather than athletic background.

Fundraising peaks during Ramadan, when giving is rooted in sincerity, intention, and collective effort. From a university prayer room to a global humanitarian impact, Riders of Shaam continues its mission: cycling to make a difference.

All donations not marked with instructions will go into our unrestricted pot and will be used where needed most.