Volunteer Muhammed clocks up thousands of hours of Covid support

In this section
Volunteer Muhammed clocks up thousands of hours of Covid support

A University of Aberdeen postgraduate researcher has clocked up almost 3,000 hours as an NHS volunteer supporting those affected by Covid-19.

Muhammad Farooq was one of the 170,000 who, in just one night in March, answered a call issued by the UK government to join a network of volunteers needed to help the 1.5 million individuals asked to shield from the coronavirus because of underlying health conditions.

Since his first call to assist a person in isolation in March 2020, he has now amassed 2,869 hours of volunteer work ranging from collecting prescriptions, shopping and food to making phone calls to those unable to leave their homes.

Muhammed is currently a PhD scholar in the department of Divinity and, although born and bred in Pakistan, is a British citizen currently based in London.

As a Lawyer, Magistrate (JP) in London and visiting lecturer in Pakistan, Muhammed, whose work focuses on legal reform in Pakistan, particularly with regard to family law and the rights of women, had a lot to juggle but said he quickly realised the difference a few minutes out of your own day can make to others.

“I saw for myself the real difference volunteering can make,” he added. “It has had a positive effect on me personally and I have seen the happiness that small acts of kindness can bring. It’s an incredible feeling.

"I was so happy when I received my first alert to assist a person in isolation, now I've completed 2,869 hours of work.

“I hadn’t planned on doing so much when I started but it is just a few hours a week for me. I am only walking, collecting medicines and delivering things but it’s nice to know that you have played your part and delivered kindness at a time when so many people are struggling.”

Muhammed recently received a thank you for his contribution from the Director of Volunteering, Royal Voluntary Service which he says he received with ‘both delight and pride’.

Search News

Browse by Month

2004

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov There are no items to show for November 2004
  12. Dec

2003

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec There are no items to show for December 2003

1999

  1. Jan There are no items to show for January 1999
  2. Feb There are no items to show for February 1999
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

1998

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr There are no items to show for April 1998
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul There are no items to show for July 1998
  8. Aug There are no items to show for August 1998
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov There are no items to show for November 1998
  12. Dec