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Local Businessman Steps In To Help After Seeing 'Haunting' Image Of Child's Bedroom

Local Businessman Steps In To Help After Seeing 'Haunting' Image Of Child's Bedroom

Shahid Raqib decided to step in

Amelia Ward

Amelia Ward

A businessman who saw a heartbreaking photo of a seven-year-old's bare bedroom has pledged to carpet at least 100 children's bedrooms, or more if his 'accountant lets him'.

Shahid Raqib, 43, from Leeds, saw an image which was shared by local charity Zarach, showing what the poverty crisis means in real terms for children living in the UK.

A JustGiving page set up by the organisation says it wants to help families struggling to make ends meet.

The creator of the page said that she had been 'haunted' by the photo, which showed a single bed in a bare room, saying that it is all the child has.

Shahid, who owns SR Carpets & Floors and runs a warehouse and carpet shops in West Yorkshire, told Leeds Live: "I saw the story on social media and I thought it was appalling that children had to live like that.

"The picture just got me. I've worked in carpets all my life, my father had a carpet shop, so it struck me there was no carpets in the bedroom.

"And even though the charity was fundraising for carpets and flooring, I just thought, 'How can I have a warehouse full of carpets when there are children sleeping nearby without any carpets?'.

JustGiving/Zarach

"No carpets means there's also a lack of warmth and I just couldn't justify it in my head. It didn't feel right not to help."

He added: "I am a father myself, I have three boys, and if they couldn't afford carpets, imagine what else they're struggling with.

"If I can help to provide carpets, at least I can help take away one burden among the many others they may have."

He is working with the charity to create a plan on how to donate the carpets and arrange delivery.

He explained: "We're currently putting a plan in place - I want to make sure they get a choice on the carpets they get, and we need to arrange delivery and to send people down to measure and make sure we get the right sized carpets.

"I'll also, wherever necessary, add in underlay free of charge as well.

"I just want to help as many people as possible that genuinely can't afford it."

Shahid also helped families who were affected by flood damage, adding: "I always try to give back and help where I can.

"We're not a massive company but we have a big heart.

"It's only right that we do a good deed. If we're taking business from local customers we need to give back where we can - we can't always listen to the accountant.

"You have a business to earn a living, but it's so fulfilling to give back when you can."

You can donate to the charity here.

Featured Image Credit: Shahid Raqib

Topics: UK News, Charity