Sumera Bashir, her husband and children (Photo: Islamic Relief UK)

Elham Asaad Buaras

A Berkshire mum of three who also cares for her elderly and disabled in-laws has won a trip to Makkah for two to complete Umrah, courtesy of humanitarian aid charity Islamic Relief.

Sumera Bashir, who lives in Langley, near Slough, was nominated by her cousin Iqra Kataria for her selfless work in providing full-time care round-the-clock for her elderly and disabled in-laws, who are both housebound, having had a stroke and contracted Alzheimer’s.

Bashir is also mum to an autistic child and took care of her family’s finances after her husband was taken unwell and was unable to work full-time.

Bashir was surprised with the Umrah tickets when she was visited at her home by Islamic Relief rep.  Bashir said: “I can’t believe that I have won a trip to Makkah. This is such a surprise. To travel to Makkah to complete Umrah is the dream of a lifetime and I want to thank Islamic Relief for making it a reality for me.”

Kataria said she nominated her cousin because “exceptional person. She is committed to putting others first and is always smiling, even though she experiences a lot of hardship each day.”

UK Director of Islamic Relief, Imran Madden, told The Muslim News, “It is a privilege for Islamic Relief to provide such a committed and devoted woman with a return trip to Makkah and enable her to complete Umrah. Our Prophet (peace be upon him) said that ‘actions are according to intentions, and everyone will get what was intended’. We are glad that Sumera will experience the trip of a lifetime.”