A NEW fundraising initiative has raised more than £25,000 for conflict-torn Syria in just ten days.

‘Cakes4Syria’ was started in Bradford by Sibbat e Noor, a 21-year-old law graduate and Islamic Relief volunteer, but it has now spread to Blackburn, where 250 cakes have already been delivered.

The chocolate fudge cakes, which cost £10 each, are delivered to people’s doors by volunteers, and all proceeds are donated to Islamic Relief’s Syria Appeal.

The initiative has been rapidly gaining popularity through the #Cakes4Syria hashtag on twitter.

Families in Blackburn have been buying the cakes to eat when they break their Ramadhan fast at the end of the day. The project will run throughout the holy month, when Muslims are traditionally expected to give money to charity – although organisers hope that it will carry on for even longer.

Noordad Aziz who has volunteered to deliver cakes within the Blackburn area, said he’s enjoying doing his bit. He said: “I got involved because it’s a fun challenge, it’s quite a sweet challenge, if you excuse the pun!

“It’s very easy. People are giving to charity, but you’re actually giving them something quite nice for a change.”

Noordad has so far delivered cakes across East Lancashire, in Blackburn, Burnley, Nelson, Brierfield, and Great Harwood.

Last Wednesday he delivered 25 in Blackburn alone.

Cakes4Syria founder Sibbat said: “The idea is that you save a life with a piece of cake.

“Each cake cuts into around 14 slices, which is way too much for one person breaking their fast.”

He added: “The idea is that you buy the cake to share.

“And because the money is going to Syria that adds a wider charitable element to the sharing.”

Cakes can be ordered by texting 07923 542956 or 07849 005237.

They are then delivered each Wednesday and Sunday.