A mother of three who cares for her elderly and disabled in-laws has won a trip of a lifetime to Makkah for two to complete Umrah, courtesy of humanitarian aid charity Islamic Relief.

Sumera Bashir, who lives in the village of Langley, near Slough, has won an Umrah package consisting of return flights from London to Jeddah, hotel accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, and all transfers during the trip.

Sumera was nominated by her cousin Iqra Kataria for her selfless work in providing full-time care round-the-clock for her elderly and disabled in-laws, who are both housebound, having had a stroke and contracted Alzheimer's.

She also looks after her three children aged three to nine, one of whom is on the autistic spectrum, and took care of her family’s finances after her husband was taken unwell and was unable to work full-time.

Sumera did not know she had been entered for the competition until she was visited at her home by Islamic Relief representatives and presented with the Umrah ticket.

Sumera Bashir said, “I can’t believe that I have won a trip to Makkah. This is such a surprise. To travel to Makkah to complete Umrah is the dream of a lifetime and I want to thank Islamic Relief for making it a reality for me.”

Iqra Kataria, who lives in Nottingham, said, “I nominated Sumera is because she is such an exceptional person. She is committed to putting others first and is always smiling, even though she experiences a lot of hardship each day.

“I prayed to Allah for something to help her and that is why I am so delighted that Sumera has won this trip of a lifetime to Makkah. It will be a much-needed break and give her a boost, having made such great sacrifices for her family because she is such an unselfish person.”

Imran Madden, UK Director of Islamic Relief, said, “Giving charity is one of the best ways to help those less fortunate than yourself and Sumera is an exceptional example of someone who puts the needs of others before her own.

"It is a privilege for Islamic Relief to provide such a committed and devoted woman with a return trip to Makkah and enable her to complete Umrah.

“Our Prophet (peace be upon him) said that ‘actions are according to intentions, and everyone will get what was intended’. We are glad that Sumera will experience the trip of a lifetime.”