Aleeza Ashiq was just 18 months old when she survived the 2017 terrorist attack on Bethel Memorial Methodist Church, losing her leg in the blast.
Now aged 10, she urgently needs a new prosthetic leg as her current one has become painful and unsafe to use.
Her father, a low-paid sweeper, cannot afford the costly replacements she requires as she grows.
The British Asian Christian Association is appealing for donations to help Aleeza walk, study, and live without pain.
Surviving the Bethel Memorial Methodist Church Attack
On 17th December 2017, terrorists stormed the Bethel Memorial Methodist Church during a nativity service attended by hundreds of worshippers. The brutal attack claimed the lives of nine innocent Christians and left many others seriously injured (Read more here).
Among the survivors was little Aleeza, who was only one and a half years old at the time. Volunteer Christian security officers courageously intervened during the assault, sacrificing their own safety to protect members of the congregation. Their bravery saved countless lives, including Aleeza’s.
But her survival came at a terrible cost.
A Long and Painful Recovery
Aleeza suffered catastrophic injuries during the attack, including the loss of her left leg below the knee and severe shrapnel injuries to her bowels.
Initially admitted to a public hospital, her condition deteriorated due to poor wound care, resulting in a dangerous gangrene infection that threatened her life. Recognising the urgency of the situation, BACA intervened and arranged her transfer to a private hospital in Karachi, where doctors performed life-saving surgery.
Since that day, BACA has remained committed to supporting Aleeza and her family through every stage of her recovery (Read more here).
Why Aleeza Needs a New Prosthetic Leg
As Aleeza grows, her prosthetic leg must be replaced regularly to ensure it fits correctly and does not cause long-term physical damage. BACA has been providing her with a new prosthetic limb approximately twice a year, helping her maintain mobility and independence.
Recently, Aleeza’s father, Ashiq Masih, contacted a BACA officer with an urgent request for a replacement prosthetic leg, explaining that her current one has become too small and painful to use.
He said:
“Her current leg has become short and the loose socket causes trouble and pain while she walks. Therefore, I request BACA to provide a new prosthetic leg.”
Without a properly fitted prosthetic, Aleeza experiences pain, swelling, inflammation, and increasing difficulty walking.
A Father Struggling to Provide
Ashiq Masih works as a sweeper at a local college and lives with his family in modest servant quarters provided by his employer. Despite working tirelessly, his small salary barely covers food and basic household expenses.
The cost of replacing Aleeza’s prosthetic leg is far beyond what the family can afford alone.
Yet this prosthetic is essential to Aleeza’s everyday life. It allows her to attend school, participate in church activities, play with friends, and enjoy the freedoms every child deserves.
Help Aleeza Walk Without Pain Again
Despite everything she has endured, Aleeza remains full of life, courage, and hope. With your support, we can help ensure she continues to walk, learn, play, and dream without unnecessary pain or limitation.
Your donation can help provide Aleeza with a new prosthetic leg, giving her greater comfort, mobility, and independence. The total cost of £500 will cover the prosthetic fitting, medical treatment, travel for the family to the hospital, and accommodation during their stay near the hospital, which is located a considerable distance from their home.
Donate Today
Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a life-changing difference for Aleeza and her family.
Juliet Chowdhry, trustee of BACA said:
“Aleeza’s courage in the face of such unimaginable suffering continues to inspire us all. No child should have to endure the pain she has experienced, yet she faces each day with remarkable strength and determination. To see her now growing into a bright and resilient young girl is extraordinary, but she still needs our help. Through the kindness of our donors we can ensure she can continue living without unnecessary pain”
