The team at Candlelighters were delighted to receive a video message from boxing legend Amir Khan this week!

Holding up a Candlelighters running vest, Amir encouraged more people to get involved with our ‘amazing’ charity. The two-time former world champion, who hails from Bolton, won a silver medal at the Athens Olympics in 2004 and was ranked as the world’s second best welterweight by The Ring magazine in May 2016. Amir sent the message after being inspired by his friend Rashid, whose son Hamza is currently being treated in Leeds General Infirmary and is an active member of the Candlelighters family.

Rashid said: “We know Amir through my family friends’ restaurant, ‘my Lahores’. They are very close friends of Amir and usually invite us over when he is around. We meet at the restaurant or at home at least once a year for a chat and a meal. Hamza is a great fan of Amir and loves meeting him!”

Speaking specifically of Candlelighters, Rashid said: “We are amazed at Candlelighters charity and the work that they do, so it’s a pleasure collecting for them. As a family, we really enjoy our yearly break to Centre Parcs that the charity funds, and Hamza always looks forward to it.”