Unsung heroes in the north west were recognised for their hard work during a glittering awards ceremony in Blackburn.
The winners of the 2010 Fusion Awards celebrated their achievements at Blackburn Rovers FC Ewood Park over the weekend.
As well as the awards ceremony the evening including entertainment provided by the Imagin Asian Dancers and stand-up comedian Aatif Nawaz, as well as catwalk shows featuring the latest in Asian fashion.
The Public Service Award, sponsored by Lancashire County Council, went to Dr Alethea Melling MBE , who works at the International School for Communities Rights and Inclusion. For over 25 years Dr Melling has been involved with ground-breaking volunteering and community programmes, making an outstanding difference to youngsters’ lives. Dr Melling’s efforts have had a significant impact at both grass roots and government level, where she has helped shape policy.
Preston schoolboy Sahir Iqbal received the Achievement in Sport Award sponsored by Carter Law. Now 13 years old, the teenager took up boxing when he was 11 and has soared to new heights in the last year. In 2009, he clinched the national schoolboy championships and this year was chosen to represent England.
Hashmat and Janet Faqiri , from Preston, won the Mumtaz Ellahi Community Coach of the Year Award sponsored by Asian Image. In 1997, the husband and wife team set up the Faqiri’s Martial Arts Club in their home town. The club was soon running from two sites and has gone from strength to strength, now attracting over 60 youngsters aged four and upwards.
Runshaw College student Idanan Zafar won the Fusion Education Achievement Award, sponsored by University of Central Lancashire. Despite his own health issues, which require him to go for regular hospital checkups, Idanan also cares for his mother and younger sister. Even with these extra responsibilities, Idanan has achieved a Distinction – the highest grade possible – in every unit so far of his National Diploma in Business and is well on course to graduate.
Preston’s Rukaiya and Sheheda Chand received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award sponsored by Cross Windows and Conservatives Ltd. The sisters were recognised for their business achievements which saw them establish an online children’s designer clothing store called Rajas and Ranis last year. Despite 2009’s unfavourable economic climate, the siblings’ online shop was so successful they have since been able to open a boutique in Preston.
The Indian Association Manchester won the accolade for Community Group of the Year sponsored by Lancashire Constabulary. The Association has helped to highlight the achievements of the local community by organising a series of high-profile events, such as the annual Dashehra Diwali Mela, which attract residents from all cultures and backgrounds.
Rochdale group Don’t Hate Us, Rate Us won the Youth Leadership Award sponsored by exChange @ Blackpool Cathedral and Woman’s Voice. The organisation was formed by a group of teenagers who were unhappy about the negative perception of their community. To dispel unfounded myths surrounding their culture, the group created a short film about life as a Muslim in their town. The group continues to regularly meet at Wardelworth and Hamer Youth Centre to discuss issues affecting the community.
Blackburn College students Nazleen Bachu and Claire Brown both received the Young Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by their college. Both young adults were interested in pursuing a career in public services or health and social care. After exploring training and apprenticeship options, Nazleen and Claire were offered placements with Youth Action, an organisation supporting young volunteers. Since starting their placements last year, both apprentices have begun studying Business Administration NVQ at Blackburn College.
Latifa Umar and Sofia Esa from Blackburn were awarded the Woman of the Year accolade, sponsored by Shahi Qila, for their charity work. In the past three years, they have raised over £90,000 for the Rumah Aman Orphanage in Malaysia by hosting a series of women-only charity events. They are now branching out on a second project, Rumah Aman 2, which will house a further 60 children.
Volunteer Kamran Ahmed from Preston was named Man of the Year sponsored by Carter Law. Despite suffering from muscular dystrophy, Kamran gives up much of his free time volunteering at his local community centre. He has become an inspiration and role model to young people in this neighbourhood for his willingness to help others.
Oldham Muslim Centre received the Community Cohesion Award sponsored by Blackburn with Darwen. The organisation has taken a proactive approach to changing the perception of Islam in the wider community. Oldham Muslim Centre has also promoted the idea of raising money for local charities and young people have welcomed its innovative projects dealing with sensitive issues.
