Tuesday 15^th August 2023 is the second anniversary of the terrifying day in 2021 when Taliban armoured cars rolled into the capital city of Afghanistan, Kabul, and took over control of the country. No-one can forget the horrifying scenes at Kabul airport as tens of thousands of Afghans tried to flee the country.

Two years later, under Taliban rule, women are virtually prisoners in their own homes, barred from almost all aspects of public life, recreation and education. Thousands of Afghans still live in hiding in the face of Taliban threats to their lives and families. The Afghan economy is in a state of collapse; food, jobs and medical care are scarce.

Ali, a poet and book-shop owner from Kabul, came to Ireland as a refugee with his wife in November 2021. He now lives in Co Galway, learning English and he enjoys his work in his local Centra. His dreams of writing poetry and selling books again are still in his heart.

Since he came to Ireland, Ali has taken up long distance cycling. To raise awareness of the ongoing situation of Afghans both in Afghanistan and abroad, Ali will cycle from Eyre Square in Galway to the Spire in Dublin on 15^th August over the course of one day. His route will take him through Loughrea, Ballinasloe, Athlone, Moate, Kilbeggan, Kinnegad, Enfield and Maynooth.

Ali is raising money through the iDonate account Food2Afghanistan – Cycle Galway Dublin to support families in need in Kabul. Every cent of your contribution will be sent to Afghanistan for food distribution.

For more information contact: Andrea Martin, Chairperson, Friends of Ascend Community Support Group. M: 087 22 33835