Rameez Mahmood

Rameez, 19, is a student at the University of Strathclyde studying Computer Science. He hopes to become a software engineer upon graduation. Of Pakistani descent, he is very active among the charity scene. However, Syria is an issue particularly dear to his heart. He is currently training day after day for the trek, cycling almost 300 miles a week.

"I thought Hassan was joking when he first came up with the idea. From being a possibility, it has become a reality. I'm a little nervous because it's happening so soon and the scale is so big. But the whole Muslim Glasgow community is behind us. It's very important we help people around the world, no matter who they are or what religion they follow. The most vulnerable people in any conflict are orphans and widows."

AbdelRahman Rizk

AbdelRahman, 25, was born in Cairo, Egypt and moved to Scotland when he was 12. He now lives in Glasgow and is a Pharmacology university student. Since 2011, he has participated in many fundraising challenges to raise funds for Syria. But this cycle is by far the biggest challenge he has ever done.

"My friend Hassan [al-Husari] and I thought: let's do something different for Syria. Why not cycle? We figured it would be a great way to raise money for Syria and get good publicity. Training almost 90 miles a day has taken my fitness to another level. I'm feeling nervous – we'll be entering into many different countries and see people speaking many different languages."

NA'EEM RAZA

Na’eem Raza, 49, is a presenter and Head of Fundraising at Human Appeal. Na’eem is a lead presenter on Islam Channel and has been an MC at past Global Peace and Unity events at London's ExCel. He has also presented Hajj coverage live from Makkah and Medina, Saudi Arabia.

"I've been to Syria five times already. People are going through a lot. We need people to come forward and support them. I've seen with my own eyes the difference building a village can make to the victims of the Syrian conflict. Being able to get an education and having a safe place to live really makes a difference. Human Appeal have done more work than anyone else and are using innovative ways to raise money."

HASSAN AL-HUSARI

Hassan, 19, is a Business Technology University student from Glasgow, Scotland. Born in the Emirates to Syrian parents, he has lived in the UK for the past 15 years.

Hassan has been working with charities for many years, helping to raise well over £100,000, through fundraising dinners. This cycle to Syria, however, is by far his most daring, brave and impressive idea.

"I am really looking forward to it. Everyone in the team is. It's an amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity. The target is £250,000 but we hope to raise one million pounds. Those looking to donate, can donate online on our Just Giving page, through Human Appeal's website, you can give Human Appeal a call on 0161 225 0225, or you can meet us and give us cash. We just need more people to get behind us, especially influential figures!"

SUFYAN RASHID

Sufyan, 22, was born in Pakistan and came to Glasgow when he was 10. He has just finished his degree and is on a gap year. Sufyan is missing his graduation ceremony to trek to Syria.

"I'm excited about this. I'm a bit nervous at the same time because I've never done anything like this and I'll be away from my family for such a long time. I've been cooped up at uni for ages, and now that I'm done, I thought I'd sped time with my family. But this came along. I'm sacrificing time with my family and missing my graduation for this. But it's a sacrifice definitely worth making. I hope people realise this and donate. What better way to give zakat is there?"

AKRAM ABOUAESHA

Akram, 23, has a degree in Environmental Health from the University of Salford. He is currently taking a year out and will begin his Masters in September with ambitions to go into Healthcare Management thereafter.

After hearing about the Scotland to Syria cycle trek, he handed in his notice at work so he could put the time in to training. In 2012, he did the Manchester 10K run, he has also done 5k runs and a 60 mile cycle challenge.

"As soon as I heard about the cycle, I handed my notice in at work. It wasn't a chance I could miss. We can't just stand by and do nothing and allow this crisis to continue unfolding. This trek will be hard but it's when people say to me "you can't do it", that's what really drives me. I want to prove them wrong. I'm excited, nervous and panicking all at the same time but it will be a great adventure. It's not just about exercise, but it's about our diets and nutrition."

ANAS SAWALEM

Anas, 23, was born in Croatia to Libyan parents. He has lived in the UK since 1999 and currently resides in Manchester. He is a freelance illustrator, with a special interest in Arabic calligraphy. He is also a keen football player, cyclist and has done mountaineering challenges around Europe.

In 2013, he volunteered as an art teacher in Syria. Anas currently training for the trek on a spinning bike he has at home in addition to cycling around Manchester.

"While I was in Syria, I came to realise that you can have the best education, but if you don't have the basics in life, education isn't going to be your concern. The funds from this trek will hopefully result in a new village, which is exactly what is needed. I've seen the suffering first hand in Syria and that is what's motivating me."

BILAL NAAS

Bilal, 22, is an Architecture student at the Glasgow School of Art. He is heavily involved in charity and community work and intends to take a gap year after graduating. Next year, he hopes to gain experience in his field of work, volunteer with the Muslim Association of Britain, and play lots of sports. He currently cycles around 60 miles a day and also plays football to help his fitness.

"We're doing this for one reason: to raise money for people in Syria. Yes, it will be a physical challenge and a good achievement if we complete it, but it's mainly about the charity work. Those donating are helping the suffering, who really need your help. By donating you're easing a lot of the hardship they're experiencing. This challenge is definitely achievable and I'm excited to do this."

AHMAD AL-HUSARI

Ahmad, 25, is a Building Design Engineer and a graduate from Glasgow Caledonian University. He is currently working in Saudi Arabia but will be taking time off for the cycle.

He has been to Syria three times since the conflict erupted and says he has raised almost one million pounds for Syria to date. Ahmad plans to scale Mount Everest before he hits 30 and soon hopes to do the Tough Guy Competition, billed as the world's most demanding one day ordeal.

"It's bizarre to be honest. This cycle started as a joke 2 years ago. After going to Syria for the first time, Hassan joked and said let's cycle to Syria. Ever since then, we've been working on it. I've been and seen the suffering first hand. The suffering is immense, it's 20 out of 10. This is why we're doing it."