Bolton boxer Amir Khan has helped raise more than £83,000 for the Islamic Relief in order to help those affected by the Philippines typhoon.
The former WBA light welterweight champion hosted a sell-out fundraiser for the Islamic Relief Typhoon Haiyan Appeal at the Hilton Hotel in Bradford.
More than 500 people attended the black tie event where they raised a total of £83,400 through ticket sales and a charity auction which featured exclusive sporting items.
Amir Khan said: “The evening was an astounding success and the amount raised has exceeded all our expectations and I can’t thank everyone enough for their generosity.
“When I heard about the devastation in the Philippines I wanted to do anything I could to help, so I got in touch with Rizwan Malik and Islamic Relief to organise this fundraiser.
“I would like to thank Rizwan, who helped me organise the whole event in just two weeks, his support really was invaluable.”
Items available at the auction included a signed Mohamed Ali boxing glove, Filipino boxer, Manny Pacquiao’s boxing shorts and one of Usain Bolt’s famous running shoes.
Bidders were also able to win a special meet and greet with Amir Khan at his gym Gloves Community Centre in Bolton.
Rizwan said: “I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved and now we hope the money raised will really help the Islamic Relief’s Philippines Appeal.
“It was great to see Amir so passionate about giving back and helping others, we couldn’t have asked for a better host for the evening.”
Since the typhoon struck the islands, Islamic Relief have delivered food to more than 100,000 people and have donated 1,500 family-sized tents.
Image courtesy of Wall Street Journal via YouTube, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
