My name is Ahsan Raja, and I live in the United Kingdom. This week, my baby boy turns one.

It’s a milestone every parent looks forward to — the laughter, the first steps, the joy of seeing a little soul grow.

But as I prepare to celebrate his first birthday, my heart can’t ignore the reality that thousands of parents in Palestine and Sudan are watching their children suffer — not from teething pains or sleepless nights, but from hunger, trauma, and loss.

Instead of throwing a birthday party or accepting gifts, I want to use this moment to share our blessings with those who desperately need them.

That’s why I’ve started this fundraiser for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) — a UK-registered charity (No. 1045315) providing emergency medical supplies, hospital equipment, and mental-health support to families across Gaza and the West Bank.

If we’re blessed to exceed our goal, any extra funds will go to Islamic Relief UK’s Sudan Emergency Appeal, which provides urgent food, water, and shelter for families displaced by conflict in Sudan.

I’m not personally connected to either organisation — I’ve chosen them because they’re transparent, well-established, and doing lifesaving work.

Once the campaign ends, every penny will be donated directly to MAP through their official channels, and I’ll post receipts and screenshots here so every donor can see exactly where their contribution went.

This birthday, instead of gifts and balloons, I want my son’s first celebration to bring real relief and hope to other children — the ones who deserve safety, care, and a future just as much as he does.

Thank you for reading, donating, or even just sharing.

Together, let’s turn one small birthday into a light for families who need it most.