'I want my brother's legacy to be making life better for disabled and seriously ill children'

Her beloved brother Ayaan also had the same condition. He died, aged five, at Sheffield Children's Hospital in March 2023.

"While many young people would understandably have been overwhelmed by grief, Aroob chose a different path,” says her dad Haroon Rashid. “Determined that Ayaan's life would leave a lasting legacy, she transformed her heartbreak into action.

"Every campaign she leads, every pound she raises and every platform she uses is driven by a commitment to honour her brother's memory and improve the lives of children and families facing similar challenges.

“Those closest to Aroob say her achievements are remarkable not simply because of the money she has raised or the recognition she has received, but because she has carried unimaginable pain while dedicating herself to helping others.

"Her journey has become a powerful example of how adversity can be transformed into hope, purpose and positive change.”

On her recent visit to London, Aroob discussed the challenges faced by disabled children and their families and shared a vision for greater inclusion and opportunity.

“Every person I meet helps keep Ayaan’s memory alive, and every conversation gives me hope that we can make life better for other children,” she says.

Aroob also toured two of the country's most renowned healthcare centres, Great Ormond Street Hospital and The Royal London Hospital, raising awareness of the challenges faced by children living with rare and life-limiting conditions.

She also shared the impact of the Moon and Stars campaign, which she helped to create and lead alongside Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.

The campaign celebrates Ramadan, a time of reflection and community, while raising money to support the thousands of patients and families at the hospital and has generated around £65,000 to date.

Aroob wants to see it evolve into a national movement, and hopes to inspire similar Moon and Stars initiatives at children’s hospitals across the country.

As well as fundraising, Aroob wants to encourage hospitals, charities, sporting organisations, businesses, community groups and public leaders to work together in supporting children living with serious illnesses and disabilities.

"She has become a passionate advocate for disabled children across the UK, using her growing platform to challenge inequalities and champion greater opportunities for young people living with disabilities and complex medical conditions,” Haroon explains.

“Aroob is asking why disabled children are often excluded from experiences many able-bodied children take for granted. She believes disabled children deserve the same opportunities to participate in sport, be recognised for their achievements and feel celebrated within their communities.

“One of her ambitions is to see greater access to football, cricket and rugby in SEND schools across the country. She believes sport can transform confidence, improve wellbeing and help children realise their potential regardless of disability.

“Aroob wants every disabled child to know that they matter, that they belong and that they can dream just as big as any other child.”

He adds: “Often when you have children with complex needs…it feels like you are having to fight for them all the time, for the care, the equipment, the adaptations they need…She wants to highlight that that’s not how it should be.

"It’s about getting what they need to live an independent life because that can change their outcomes and who they end up becoming…

"Every child with a disability deserves to be seen, deserves to be given dignity and respect and deserves to be treated just like any other. That is her message. We are very proud of her.”