Work colleagues, family and friends of a popular Huddersfield charity volunteer who died of cancer are to pull on their walking boots to help keep his memory alive.

And they also hope to raise a large amount of money for his chosen charity.

Kamal Aftab, 32, of Almondbury, died in August, just two months after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia.

A big charity worker, he set about raising thousands from his hospital bed after his diagnosis, for Bloodwise, the leukaemia and lymphoma research charity.

Hundreds of people stopped to remember Kamal after his death. See images below.

Each year his work colleagues at Huddersfield-based Valli Opticians organise a 10-mile charity Valli Rally.

This year the family friendly walk is being held in his honour in a bid to get closer to the £50,000 target for Bloodwise, set by Kamal and supported now by his family.

The walk on Saturday, September 19 takes in Valli’s four Huddersfield stores in Meltham, Honley, Almondbury and Lockwood and finishes with a traditional Yorkshire tea party and music from Yorkshire Traction Honley Brass Band.

Kamal , an optometrist, worked for Valli for four years and according to Valli owner, Moin Valli, was a popular staff member, loved not just by his colleagues, but clients too.

Mr Valli hopes clients and members of the Huddersfield community will rally round and join the walk too, or give a donation at the Just Giving page set up for the event.

Lockwood optician Moin Valli (right) with the family of late employee, Kamal Aftab and staff from the opticians who are planning a memory walk to raise funds for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research
Lockwood optician Moin Valli (right) with the family of late employee, Kamal Aftab and staff from the opticians who are planning a memory walk to raise funds for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research

So far around 100 people – including 10 members of Kamal’s family – have signed up for the walk but organisers hope this number will treble before the day.

Kamal took part in a `hospital marathon’ during his stay in St James Hospital, Leeds and raised £14,000 for Bloodwise. This figure has now reached over £30,000 thanks to donations and events held after his death by his family and friends.

“We are thrilled Valli are holding this annual walk in Kamal’s memory and would urge anyone reading this to come and join us. Kamal did so much for charity so it is fitting others are now doing their bit for him,” said his brother, Yousaf Aftab who is doing the walk.

Kamal Aftab stops for a break on Scafell Pike
Kamal Aftab stops for a break on Scafell Pike

The walk starts at Meltham at 9am and finishes at Lockwood at 3pm. Walkers can do the full 10 miles or just one or two legs. Registration is £5 and that includes a free tee-shirt and bottled water.

“The Valli Rally is one of the ways we like to give back to the community. The dedication and commitment shown by Kamal to local causes was an inspiration to everyone. It is in his memory that we are doing this year’s walk. We have also set up the Kamal Aftab Award For Excellence at Valli and this will be given to a member of staff each year at our annual award ceremony,” said Mr Valli.

Pick up a registration form at a Valli branch or contact info@valliopticians.co.uk Or you can make a donation online via www.justgiving.com/ValliRally2015forLeukaemia or www.justgiving.com/ValliRally2015forForgetMeNot