A team of fundraising cyclists were given a heroes welcome as they returned to Blackburn.

Twenty-five riders had embarked on a sponsored ride to Blackpool in the early hours of Sunday (August 29) and returned to Blackburn late afternoon. They had been aiming to raise funds for the new Islamic Education Centre being built off Devonport Road. 

They managed to raise a staggering £50,000 from the ride, with donations still coming in. The final figure from their efforts may be higher.

The new build is set to replace the Islamic Education Centre based on the corner of Addison Street as the main focal point for prayers and religious activities. The project is now in the final stages with money having been raised by donors and through fundraising events such as this cycle ride. 

As the team headed back in Blackburn and along Devonport Road friends and family lined up with garlands, confetti and smoke flares to welcome back the team of riders. 

A small celebration was held inside in the mosque, with the riders and all the support staff thanked for their efforts in raising the funds.

A spokesperson for the mosque said: “This has been a fantastic effort by not just who took on the challenge but all the helpers and volunteers.

“We made good time in the morning and slowed a little as one of the riders was struggling. We all wanted to finish together. Despite that we made it back into Blackburn by 3pm.

“We were overwhelmed by the welcome we got and we would like to thank everyone who turned out to support us.

“We have been raising funds for the mosque through sponsored efforts like this and we would like to thank all the local businesses and the community for continuing to support us.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

The mosque which is based in land behind Foxhouse Street and Whitehead Street will cater for all those living in the immediate vicinity of the building. It is set to include funeral services as well as extra space for madressa classes.

The mosque spokesperson added: “This has been a completely community focused project with local people taking the lead and helping to raise funds themselves.”