Syed's ready to smash charity target early

A restaurant boss who launched an ambitious appeal to raise £100,000 for charity in 10 years is now confident of reaching his target three years ahead of schedule.
Syed Rahman, owner of the Cuisine of India restaurant in Wigston, has already collected more than £20,000 since he began fund-raising in 2005.
The cash is raised by events where groups of people pay £15 each for a meal.
Half the money from each night goes to charity and Mr Rahman, 37, from Highfields, said the remainder goes towards the restaurant's costs.

He said: "I am a very charitable person and I know how important it is for people to get help for charity and voluntary organisations and I just want to be able to ensure they can continue to provide their service for a long time to come. I always believed I would reach the target slowly but surely but things have really gone well in the first 18 months, though there is still a long way to go"

"I am confident that I can raise the money by 2012 but I will not rest until I reach the target."

Cuisine of India also organises raffles and auctions on fund-raising nights.

The next event is tomorrow in aid of Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid in Huncote.

So far the appeal has helped charities including Menphys, Oxfam, Age Concern and Guide Dogs for the Blind.