A big-hearted refugee, who has been in a wheel-chair since childhood, will parachute out of a plane to raise funds for Children 1st, Scotland’s national children’s charity, this weekend.
Haian Dukhan, a Teaching Fellow in International Relations, for whom Scotland is a ‘second home’ will be joined by his friend Fraser Saunderson an Assisted Living Manager who also volunteers for Children 1st’s Parentline service.
The two Edinburgh based pals share a love of adventure and decided to take on the sky-diving challenge to fulfil a life-long dream of Haian’s and help Fraser overcome his fear of heights.
Haian, whose first name means lover of life in Arabic, said: “Having a disability since childhood made me even more eager to take on adventures, no matter what the obstacles.
“I’ve travelled to more than 30 countries, skied in the Alps, hiked the Scottish mountains and camped and rode camels in the Syrian desert. Sky-diving has been one of my life-long dreams, so I was delighted when Fraser agreed to join me in making it reality.
“He only told me about his fear of heights, after he’d already agreed to join me in taking on this challenge!
“I’ve a young child, so when I heard about the amazing work that Children 1st do I immediately wanted to help. Since 2012 Scotland has become my second home. It means a lot to dedicate my sky-diving experience to a charity that does such a fantastic job for the children of Scotland.”
Haian, who is also the author of a book on the Syrian Civil War, met Fraser soon after he came to Edinburgh, through mutual Syrian friends.
Fraser, who has volunteered for Children 1st’s Parentline service since 2018 said: “Anybody who knows me well will also know I’m terrified of heights. Haian’s enthusiasm and knowing what an important difference the funds we raise will make to children across Scotland are really spurring me on to overcome my fears and do the jump in May.
“As a volunteer at Children 1st’s Parentline service, I see first hand how by supporting families you can transform children’s lives – preventing and protecting them from harm and helping them recover from trauma, abuse and distress. Children 1st is a fantastic charity, so I’m keen to do all I can to help them keep doing their great work for children – even jumping out of a plane.”
Parentline complements Children 1st’s local community based services, offering families help at the touch of a button. Trained and supervised volunteers like Fraser, will talk things through with families and support them to put their children first – whatever it is that is happening to them.
Regan Johnson, Children 1st Senior Community Fundraiser said: “Fraser and Haian are an inspiration to all of us at Children 1st, especially to the children and families we support. They are so enthusiastic and excited about this challenge and we wish them all the very best for the jump.”
You can donate to support Haian and Fraser’s challenge at
http://www.justgiving.com/
Haian Dukhan’s recent book State and Tribes in Syria is available at:
Parentline is a lifeline for all families, offering a kind and skilled listening ear for parents, carers and relatives across Scotland. You can talk it over with Parentline – by phone 08000 28 22 33, by email parentlinescotland@
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