My friend Fayaz Ahmed Joo, 38, lives in Baba Reshi village near Gulmarg in J&K. I have known Fayaz since 2006 when we visited Gulmarg and since then we have kept in touch. Several of my friends and family members have had the pleasure of being Fayaz's guests as he showed them around his beloved state or taught them how to ski.

In the early hours of 7th April '22, a fire broke out and burnt down the home he had built only a few years ago from his hard-earned income as a tourist guide and ski instructor. Fayaz's family comprises his aged mother, his wife who suffered a brain stroke 4 years ago and is completely dependent on him for everything, and his three young children.

Fayaz has struggled financially as the only earning member and primary caregiver for his family. He worked hard and saved enough to build a home for his family while also paying for the medical expenses to treat his wife. His work suffered and took a hit with the pandemic as there was no tourism and no ski lessons.

This recent misfortune has taken away everything that he has built so far. While his business will slowly pick up, it will take decades for him to save enough money to rebuild. I am reaching out to you with an appeal and will be personally grateful to those of you who would like to join me in contributing (no amount is too little) financially to rebuild his home and his life.