A Birmingham dad who switched careers from the army to social care will be taking on the London Marathon for the disability charity Sense, who he credits with giving him the skills to care for his disabled daughter.
Syed Kazmi, 39, had been an army officer in Pakistan. However after his daughter Syeda, 7, was born with cerebral palsy the family decided to relocate to the United Kingdom, settling in Sutton Coldfield.
He considered roles with the police or in security, but then came across a job as a support worker with the national disability charity Sense, who support people with complex disabilities. Syed felt like the job was a perfect fit and would enable him to also learn more about how to support his daughter.
Syed describes his daughter Syeda as a “kind, affectionate person” who loves music, the outdoors and dancing. Due to her cerebral palsy, she has difficulties walking and communicates using Makaton, a form of signed communication used by people with learning needs.
As well as enjoying his role with Sense, Syed gained knowledge of how to support his daughter. He has learnt how to reorganise his home so Syeda can move around the furniture more easily. He also realised that he was being overprotective of Syeda; he’d been scared to let her enter the family kitchen in case she hurt herself, but realised she loved being in there and making decisions around food once given the opportunity.
Syed Kazmi said: “When I first saw the job advert at Sense, I read about the young man I would be supporting and it reminded me so much of Syeda that I decided I should apply. He is a very energetic young man who loves rock climbing, which suits me perfectly with my background in the army.
“Sense has offered me hundreds of courses and free education on caring for disabled people. I am always thirsty for more knowledge which I can bring home. Before, I would get frustrated at some of Syeda’s behaviour’s, wondering ‘why is she doing this?’. Now I understand her much better, and we are all happier as a family because of it.
“I wanted to run the marathon for Sense firstly because I have seen the good work they do supporting disabled people, and they have helped me develop as a father so much. I also want to educate my family and friends about disability, so that they understand people like my daughter better and it reduces isolation for people like her.”
Sense Chief Executive, Richard Kramer, Sense Chief Executive, said: “We are very grateful that Syed has chosen to run the London Marathon for Sense, fundraising for our work with people with complex disabilities. Syed is both an excellent carer and father who continually seeks to improve his knowledge. He is an asset to Sense and we can’t wait to cheer him on in his first marathon.” Syed has raised over £1,700 for Sense so far.
