'It's about humanity' Meet the seven-year-old climbing ‘Yorkshire Matterhorn’ for children in Gaza

On Saturday, November 16, he will tackle Roseberry Topping, the “Yorkshire Matterhorn,” to raise money for UNICEF, which is providing vital aid to children and families affected by the crisis.

The challenge was inspired by conversations between Usman and his mum, Sabrina Gother, who said the pair had been talking about how lucky they were to live safely and comfortably while others had so little.

Sabrina said: “I always talk to Usman about little things. If he says, ‘I don’t like that dinner,’ I tell him there are children in other places who don’t have any food.

“We’ve been speaking about the Gaza situation quite a lot. I asked him, ‘Do you want to do something for these children?’ and he said, ‘Yeah, I want to give them some money - I’ve got money in my money box.’”

Sabrina, who grew up in Middlesbrough, suggested Roseberry Topping for the challenge - a hill she had climbed a few times herself.

She said: “He thinks he’s climbing a big mountain. For his little legs, it might feel like one.”

Usman’s enthusiasm and determination have already inspired friends and family.

The fundraiser, launched just a few weeks ago, has already exceeded its original £1,400 target, raising more than £1,600.

Sabrina said: “I didn’t expect to get as much as we have. There’s been a lot of generosity - from friends, family and even people I don’t know. I’ve been quite pleasantly surprised.”

Sabrina says the climb is about much more than money, it’s about teaching her son compassion and community spirit.

She said: “I want him to grow up being charitable. I don’t want him to be self-absorbed. I want him to think about other people, to help when he sees someone who needs it. It’s a good starting point for him to learn that.”

Sabrina also hopes the message behind Usman’s climb will resonate beyond politics.

Sabrina said: “It’s just about humanity. This isn’t about taking sides, it’s about kids who are going through horrendous things. We’re so lucky; we’re just geographically blessed. I think as mothers, especially, we should feel that more deeply, that we have a duty to help.”

Usman will be joined on the walk by his mum, uncle, cousin and a few close friends. They expect the climb to take around three hours.

Sabrina said: “It’s all about Usman. I want him to feel that sense of achievement and know that he can make a difference.”

Those wishing to support Usman’s fundraiser can donate here.