By KLTV Newsdesk –

Batley’s Doors 2 Floors launches 7-mile charity walk led by inspirational survivor Ismail Patel

Doors 2 Floors, one of the UK’s leading door retailers, is calling on members of the community to lace up their walking boots for a special charity event, the 2024/25 #Walk2Help.

The 7-mile walk will take place on Sunday, 17th August, setting off from the company’s headquarters on Bradford Road, Batley, and ending at the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice in Huddersfield.

At the forefront of this year’s challenge is local hero Ismail Patel, a determined athlete who overcame the odds after waking from a coma and has since completed an astonishing 34 10K races.

Ismail’s Journey

Doors 2 Floors Managing Director, Ismail Basar, shared the emotional story behind Patel’s participation: “#Walk2Help is the most ambitious walk we have ever organised and the very first person who offered to help was Ismail, such is his selfless approach to life, he is always helping everyone out.

“The challenge is something doctors once said Ismail would never be able to do after he suffered a bleed on the brain that led to a mini-stroke in 2008. Just a year later, he fell into a coma with his family informed to prepare for the worst, and that even if he did survive, he might never be able to walk or talk again.

“But Ismail’s story didn’t end there. Incredibly, after two and a half weeks in a coma, he woke up – and began a long and gruelling path of rehabilitation.

“Step by step, with immense determination, he learned to walk again with a cane and slowly rebuilt strength on the left side of his body, showcasing immense fortitude and determination, whilst raising thousands of pounds for charity, he is a true inspiration.

“For anybody who has never taken part in one of our walks and is thinking of doing so for the first time, I can assure you that you’ll have an amazing time and get to walk alongside a living legend in the form of Ismail and many others.

“Although undeniably tough, you’ll feel a huge sense of accomplishment taking those final steps into Huddersfield, especially knowing that it’s all been for such a good cause.”

Supporting Children and Families in Their Darkest Hours

The walk will raise funds for the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, which provides care and support for families living with the loss of a child across West Yorkshire.

Masood Ahmed, CEO of the hospice, praised the initiative: “We support families facing or living with the loss of their child across West Yorkshire – no family should have to face the loss of their child alone.

“That’s why we not only provide expert clinical care and therapy but also a helping hand, a listening ear and a place for families to be together to make the most of every moment.

“We start with what each family needs, offering them tailored support, and we’re always looking for pioneering new ways to support children and families.

“In doing so, we make a difference that lasts a lifetime. It’s great that Doors 2 Floors has set up this initiative. We would like to thank Ismail and the team at Doors 2 Floors for their invaluable support.”

“My Will Power Was Greater Than Anything”

Ismail Patel expressed his gratitude and commitment to the cause: “It is an honour to partake in Walk2Help. I’d like to thank Doors 2 Floors for arranging such an amazing initiative to help raise funds to provide expert clinical care, therapy for families to be together during what are very difficult times.”

Reflecting on his own remarkable journey, he added: “The thing with me is, I can’t stand still. I’m always on the go, and I need to be out. I know I sound crazy, but it’s just how I am.

“I remember people looked at me in the gym with my walking stick. I train like mad in the gym, and people admire that.

“When I woke up from my coma in hospital, the doctors couldn’t believe their eyes, thinking how the heck can this guy do it. It’s merely impossible is what they said, and I just knew my willpower was greater than anything.”

His passion for running began with the Dewsbury 10K in 2018 and has grown into a life-changing journey. His most recent race was the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run, marking his 34th 10K.

How to Take Part

For those interested in signing up for the walk, just email info@doors2floors.co.uk and a registration form will be sent to all interested participants.

Walkers are encouraged to raise funds for Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice through a GoFundMe page or by collecting donations via sponsorship.