A Blackburn man is preparing to run his seventh marathon today (September 24) to support victims of the Morocco earthquake.

Raja Aslam is running the Berlin Marathon today and is hoping to raise £2,500 for his efforts.

Raja will also be flying out the earthquake hit country from September 28 until October 2, to deliver aid and support the victims.

Raja said: “I want to offer my support during any natural disaster, so I can support young children and families.

“They have lost their lives and homes.

“We are so lucky here, with our homes and health which is why I want to provide food, aid, shelter and whatever else I can give.

“IT has been devastating watching the news and learning about what’s happening over there.”

The 35-year-old is no stranger to fundraising. In April he ran the Manchester Marathon while fasting during Ramadan.

He raised £2,867 for Abu Faisal Trust, a charity that is fundraising for the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.

Raja said: “Earlier this year I was helping out in Syria and Turkey after earthquakes hit there.

“I want to experience this first hand. It will be my first time ever actually going out and supporting the people affected.

“The kids love helping me fundraiser. We have been collecting money via buckets so they have an idea of what we are doing and why.

“I am looking forward to the marathon this time around. I am aiming to complete the marathon under four hours. I at least want to beat my personal best time of four hours 10 minutes.”

Raja’s fundraising efforts have captured the attention of award organisers.

He was runner up in BBC’s Make a Difference awards and was also nominated for a Pride of Britain regional fundraiser award.

He said: “It is nice to be recognised for the fundraising I am doing.

“I appeared in a news segment and all of my friends and family saw it. It was really emotional to see all I have done in the last four years.

“I just put my head down and fundraise for the people who need it. To be recognised is absolutely amazing as it is hard to balance  family life, running and fundraising.

“I want to thank everyone who has supported me over the years with my crazy challenges.”

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Morocco on Friday, September 8, stretching from the High Atlas Mountains to the historic city of Marrakesh.

The earthquake left a trail of destruction, killing more than 2,900 people and affecting more than 300,000 people across Morocco.

It destroyed buildings and left survivors homeless and in urgent need of shelter, food and c

To donate to Raja’s fundraiser visit his JustGiving page at: www.justgiving.com.