Sumi - acid attack survivor in need of help

Asalaamu Alaikum, my name is Dr Sultana Aktar, I am working with my niece Aaliyah Akora to fundraise money for Sumi, a Bangladeshi acid attack survivor, who is in need of sight saving medical care in India.

Nearly ten years ago, Sumi's life changed after she rejected a marriage proposal. Her spurned suitor organised a acid attack, with life changing consequences for her. She suffered severe burns, affecting her face, eyes, and upper body. Initially after the attack Sumi featured in a number of documentaries and was able to access funds for medical treatments, however in recent years she has found her self in great financial difficulties. This was so great that she was forced to accept a marriage proposal from her perpetrator in order to be able to survive. Within a few years of the marriage, her perpetrator left her, and it became clear that he had pursued a marriage to her to lighten his prison sentence. He left her a single parent to their daughter, and does not provide any financial help. Sumi struggles with daily costs of food, housing, medicine, and clothing for herself and her child, and relies solely on charity to get by.

At present Sumi lives in my village in Biswanath, Bangladesh, and her sight is worsening. She is asking for money in order to be able to travel to India, for the opportunity to undergo medical treatment in order to try to save her remaining vision. She does not want to be a burden on her 6 year old daughter and is desperately trying to save her sight. Sumi has tried to fundraise herself, and was able to raise £2500 after a local MP took an interest. However she needs a total of around £8000 in order to travel to India, access medical consultations and likely multiple procedures.

We are trying to help raise the remaining £5500 to help towards travel costs to India, medical consultations and any procedures she may need.

Please consider making a donation in this blessed month.

JazakAllah Khairaan

Sultana and Aaliyah