Blackburn welcomes home Hijrah Riders after 340-mile charity ride

The Blackburn Hijrah Riders completed a 340-mile Makkah-to-Medina charity ride and were welcomed at a celebration in Blackburn after raising more than £137,000 for people in Palestine.

Fundraisers who completed a long charity cycle from Makkah to Medina were greeted by family, friends and local officials at a welcome event in Blackburn. The team had raised funds over several months for people in Palestine and returned to local celebration at the Ivy Centre after flying back from their ride. Blackburn MP Adnan Hussian and local councillors attended the event, where digital images and footage of the journey were shown. Many riders were reunited with relatives and some were garlanded by supporters after the three-day ride. Key facts: - The group completed a reported 340-mile Makkah-to-Medina ride last Thursday. - Organisers said the ride raised more than £137,000 for people in Palestine. - The welcome took place at the Ivy Centre in Newton Street, where families held banners and a digital screen displayed images from the ride. - Blackburn MP Adnan Hussian and local councillors attended the celebration. - The riders shared footage of arriving at Medina and the Masjid an-Nabawi. - The group said they were fundraising for orphans and vulnerable families through the charity Aid for Mankind and described the ride as a spiritual and symbolic act inspired by the Islamic Hijrah. Summary: The reception underlined local support for the riders and recognised a months-long fundraising effort that resulted in a six-figure donation for people in Palestine. The team said they plan to continue community and charity work, and specific next activities are undetermined at this time.