Key Points
- Shamsul Abdin, Tax Reporting Analyst at SEI, father of four and head of H&K Cycle Club, awarded MBE for decade-long charitable fundraising, raising over £2.2 million for women, children, and vulnerable communities in Asia and Africa.
- H&K Cycle Club founded in 2013 as a support network for men in East London; now over 200 members, one of UK’s most active charitable cycling communities.
- Pioneered Hjirah Ride (Mecca to Medina) with Muntada Aid; first club worldwide to complete in 2022, now on fifth ride end of January.
- Recent January ride raised funds for Little Hearts programme (congenital heart defects in underprivileged children); endured 40°C heat, headwinds over three days.
- Annual London to South Coast ride; flagship Global Cycling Challenge: 12 years, 55 European cities, 22 countries.
- Impacts: maternity clinic and 52 refugee homes in Syria; solar-powered water stations for 20,000+ in Africa; schools in Ethiopia and Mali; deaf and blind school in Somalia; 300 heart operations; 1,000+ cataract operations.
- Shamsul’s background: grew up on Bethnal Green council estate; jobs in fast food, call centres; rose to Tax Reporting Analyst at SEI via stockbroking.
- Cycling start: colleague suggested bike commute; led to founding active club promoting mental/physical wellbeing, community cohesion.
- Shamsul’s comment: honour belongs to club; power of community; thanks to members, partners, family; committed to fifth Hijrah Ride.
Who is Shamsul Abdin and Why Was He Awarded an MBE?
Shamsul Abdin, a Tax Reporting Analyst at SEI, father of four, and head of the H&K Cycle Club, has received an MBE in the New Year Honours for his outstanding commitment to charitable fundraising and community leadership over the past decade. This recognition honours his efforts in raising more than £2.2 million for causes supporting women, children, and vulnerable communities across Asia and Africa.
From humble beginnings on a council estate in Bethnal Green, East London, Shamsul worked various jobs, including in fast food and call centres, before entering stockbroking. Through determination, he advanced to his current role at SEI. His cycling journey began when a colleague encouraged him to commute by bike, yielding significant physical and mental health benefits. This sparked the creation of H&K Cycle Club, transforming it into one of the UK’s most active charitable cycling groups.
Commenting on the award, Shamsul Abdin said:
“I am deeply honoured to receive this MBE, but this recognition truly belongs to everyone involved in H&K Cycle Club. What we have achieved together over the last 10 years shows the power of community, purpose and perseverance.”
What is the H&K Cycle Club and How Did It Start?
Founded in 2013, H&K Cycle Club began as a support network and social outlet for men in East London. Under Shamsul Abdin’s leadership, it expanded to over 200 members, focusing on endurance rides for charity. The club now promotes mental and physical wellbeing, fosters community cohesion, and unites hundreds of families while prioritising humanitarian impact.
Beyond fundraising, the club organises annual rides from London to the South Coast and its flagship Global Cycling Challenge—a 12-year-running European tour covering 55 cities across 22 countries.
What is the Hjirah Ride and Why is it Significant?
H&K Cycle Club, partnering with international aid charity Muntada Aid, organises the iconic Hjirah Ride from Mecca to Medina. In 2022, it became the first cycling club worldwide to complete this route. The club has repeated the challenge multiple times, with the fifth edition planned for the end of January.
How Did the Most Recent Hjirah Ride Unfold?
The latest Hjirah Ride occurred in January this year, raising funds for Muntada Aid’s Little Hearts programme, which supports underprivileged children with congenital heart defects. Riders faced extreme desert conditions over three gruelling days, including strong headwinds and temperatures up to 40°C.
This expedition exemplifies Shamsul’s dedication to using endurance cycling for life-changing causes, as he noted:
“Seeing the real-world impact of the miles we cycle and the challenges we take on makes it all worthwhile. As we prepare to embark on the fifth Hijrah Ride at the end of January, we remain committed to supporting charitable causes across Asia and Africa and helping as many people as possible.”
What Charitable Impacts Has H&K Cycle Club Achieved?
Funds raised have delivered tangible results, including:
- Construction of a maternity clinic and 52 refugee homes in Syria.
- Solar-powered water stations in Africa, providing safe water to more than 20,000 people.
- Schools in Ethiopia and Mali.
- A deaf and blind school in Somalia.
- Funding for 300 life-saving heart operations for children.
- Over 1,000 cataract operations, restoring sight to those in need.
These outcomes highlight the club’s shift from local support to global humanitarian efforts.
How Has Shamsul Abdin’s Leadership Transformed the Club?
Shamsul’s inspiration from a simple bike commute led him to form a small cycle club, encouraging friends on weekend rides. Today, H&K stands as a beacon of community service. He credits the collective:
“I would like to thank every member of the club, our cyclists, charity partners, and especially my wife and family for their unwavering support, allowing me to continue this work.”
The club’s growth underscores perseverance, with members undertaking demanding rides worldwide.
What Makes H&K Cycle Club Unique Among UK Cycling Groups?
Unlike typical clubs, H&K blends social support with high-impact charity. Its international challenges, like the Global Cycling Challenge spanning 22 countries, set it apart. Membership now exceeds 200, drawing diverse participants united by purpose.
The focus on wellbeing addresses broader societal needs, particularly in East London, where Shamsul grew up.
What Future Plans Does Shamsul Abdin Have for the Club?
Looking ahead, Shamsul and his team prepare for the fifth Hjirah Ride, reinforcing commitments to Asia and Africa. Annual events like the London-South Coast ride and European tours will continue, aiming to amplify fundraising and community ties.
This MBE marks not an endpoint but a milestone in sustained impact.
