Request to Sir Richard Branson - October 2005

Dear Sir Richard,

I am sure you have been inundated with requests for funds, following the recent devastating earthquake which hit South Asia. While I am not asking for any money, I would be grateful for a few moments of your valuable time to consider a fundraising proposal which could benefit enormously from your support and participation. You are widely recognised as an earnest philanthropist and it is with this in mind that I am approaching you, with every hope in my heart that you will hear this plea, on behalf of those affected, with your usual compassion and sympathy.

As you will be aware, the affected areas are in desperate need not only of hospitals, schools, orphanages, and housing but also of the most basic infrastructure which has been almost entirely destroyed. India, Afghanistan and Pakistan are mourning the deaths of thousands of children, many of whom died while at school. Kashmir is reported to resemble a graveyard where people have been either digging to recover bodies or digging to bury them. It is the biggest natural disaster to hit the area. The approach of an unforgiving winter makes immediate action imperative if our world is to prevent an even worse toll of insufferable misery and death.

I am a British Muslim living in Brighton and, since the earthquake, I have been working as a member of the Brighton & Hove Muslim Forum with the local community to raise money and resources to send to the region. Recently, in conjunction with BBC Southern Counties Radio, we launched a one-day radio appeal which received over 3000 blankets and approximately 50 large heavy duty domestic tents. During the day we managed to speak with Imran Khan and Yvonne Ridley, both of whom were reporting live from Pakistan. Our appeal was supported by leaders of many different faiths, which was particularly helpful. Although it was only a one day appeal, the response was overwhelming and very encouraging-an indication of the true generosity of the British public.

We know that much more can be done but we lack the ability, experience and resources to do so. Given the huge success of television fundraising programmes, for example Comic Relief and Children in Need, we believe that a major contribution to the much needed rescue and relief work could be achieved if something similar was co-ordinated in response to this disaster. We already have a blue-print from past events and today, given your involvement, a number of celebrities here in Britain and perhaps outside (such as our cricket team in Pakistan, David Beckham in Spain and many others) may be persuaded to assist in an appeal. You may also wish to ask other prominent religious leaders such as Sir Jonathan Sacks or Dr Rowan Williams, as well as Hindu and Muslim leaders, to say a few words.

Throughout the period of the appeal regular reports from the region would keep the
public aware of the desperate needs of the disaster victims, as well as the actual and potential benefits from the contributions being, and already, received. Some celebrities may offer to do small shows or sketches in between. Regular checks can be made at various areas in the country to see how the total is shaping up. Individual and team-collection stories can be aired live. I am sure that, with a little brainstorming, a host of excellent ideas may be produces to make the program productive yet entertaining.

Your own and your companies’ involvement would be invaluable in persuading the BBC or ITV to set up a telethon to raise funds. With the onset of Christmas, this is an ideal time for a predominately Christian country like ours to lead the international community in recognizing the enormity of the task facing this disaster-stricken region and to show our generosity towards those less fortunate than ourselves. This would be a remarkable gesture from a Christian country to a Muslim country, demonstrating that even with the intensity of the current political climate, peoples of different faiths can and do help each other.

We are not looking for any recognition for our organisation; we just wish to make a difference. I have no doubt that, if you agree, you would have the lasting gratitude of a whole nation and the complete support of our own public.

Kindest regards


PS: I have been encouraged to write this letter by your generous response to an appeal made by my aunt, Moira, for a donation for a charity auction following a treasure hunt in France in 1999 and again in 2001. Ever since then, my aunt has spoken repeatedly of your benevolence with enormous respect and, if you’ll forgive me, great affection. She has asked to be remembered to you.