On Sunday 12 July 2026, Dr Kassam Mahomed, who turns 80 in a couple of years, set out on an extraordinary journey of compassion, determination and solidarity, to complete a 40 km walk in Brisbane to raise funds to provide humanitarian relief for orphans and children affected by the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

Beginning at 6am from Algester Mosque, Dr Kassam embarked on the fundraising walk through Brisbane’s southern suburbs, following carefully planned routes winding through Algester, Sunnybank Hills, Stretton, Parkinson and Browns Plains. Blessed with perfect winter weather and clear blue skies, the day provided the ideal backdrop for an inspiring community effort in support of the orphans and children of Gaza.

Dr Kassam, a respected doctor who has dedicated his professional life to caring for children and families, undertook the challenge after witnessing the immense suffering endured by the children of Gaza. While working with WHO and UNICEF in Zimbabwe and some of the most remote parts of sub-Saharan Africa, he has seen with his own eyes the effects of malnutrition. However, he has also witnessed the miracles that can happen when the right medicines and nutritional support are provided.

Dr Kassam’s walk served as a reminder that while many may feel powerless in the face of humanitarian crises, individual acts of determination can inspire collective action and meaningful support. The fundraiser was proudly conducted in partnership with Muslim Aid Australia (MAA), who have active projects on the ground and will be responsible for distributing the aid to orphans and vulnerable children in Gaza.

Throughout the day, family members, friends, supporters and representatives from MAA joined Dr Kassam for different sections of the walk, walking beside him in solidarity. Yet despite the demanding distance, it was Dr Kassam who continually set the pace. Walking with unwavering determination from start to finish, he led the way throughout the day, with many of his younger companions joking that they were struggling to keep up with him.

After more than 40 kilometres on foot, Dr Kassam crossed the finish line to an emotional reception before 3pm, raising nearly $250,000 for the campaign. Family, friends and members of the community gathered to welcome him home, celebrating not only an incredible physical achievement but also the remarkable generosity it had inspired.

As the celebrations concluded and the winter sun began to set, one thing was clear: the 40 kilometres walked on 12 July represented far more than distance. They reflected the strength of a community, the generosity of countless supporters, and one man’s unwavering commitment to standing with children whose lives have been devastated by conflict.

For everyone who walked beside him, donated, volunteered or cheered him on, it was a day that will long be remembered—not simply for the kilometres completed, but for the hope they carried every step of the way.

If you didn’t get an opportunity to donate, the campaign fundraiser remains open for donations here:

https://maainternational.org.au/project/walking-for-gaza-dr-kassam-mahomed/