COMMUNITY AWARDS PAY TRIBUTE TO LOCAL HEROES

Imam Qazi Abdul Aziz Chisthi Sahib was amongst those honoured at last week’s Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards 2020/21.

The widely-respected community and faith leader received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the community, especially over the Covid-19 pandemic.

Also recognised was Sarah Pollard, the much-loved headteacher of Southfield Primary School, who lost her life recently to breast cancer.

She was one of many heroes whose achievements were celebrated during Friday night’s ceremony.

Sarah was commended for her community efforts following the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, in March last year.

Also recognised on an emotional evening was Daniel Pallett, an engineering teacher at Chiltern Academy, who made 14,000 visors as part of the local response.

Along with the Luton & Dunstable Hospital COVID Crisis Team, Daniel was the joint recipient of the Winner of Winners Award.

Mostaque Koyes, founder of the Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards, paid tribute to the winners.

“Through the challenges and adversity of the past 18 months have emerged heroes, people from our communities that have shown love, care and compassion,” said Mostaque.

“We are proud that, with these Awards, we have been able to share these inspiring stories. I want to congratulate all those that were recognised on the evening by the judges.

“I also want to thank all those that made the awards possible, including our sponsors. They enabled us to tell these stories of ordinary people performing acts of extraordinary kindness.”

Since their inception 12 years ago, the Awards have recognised hundreds of people for their efforts in the region, and in the process, raised many thousands of pounds for charities.

Winners 2021 – FULL LIST

Mayors Award – Imam Qazi Aziz

Step up and Stand Out – Molly’s Lewsey Farm

Response Team Champions (Joint winners) – The L&D COVID Crisis Team & Shri Guru Ravidass Sangat

Young Hero (Joint winners) – Anoosha Zafar Malik & Joy Stock

Charity Fundraiser of the Year – Discover Islam

Service with a Smile (Joint winners) – Nicola Davis & Duncan Stirling

Role Model of the Year – Nikhil Dodhia

Community Business of the Year – Niis Beauty

Community Project of the Year – The Big Trunk Trail

Exceptional Achievement – Daniel Pallet

The Arts Award – Imrana Mahmood

The Mark West Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award – Sanjeev Kumar

Helping Hand Award – Kevin Poulton

Lifetime Achievement – Imam Qazi Aziz

The Masked Hero Award – Dr Amir Reyahi

The Masked Angel Award – Lisa Woodisons

Volunteer of the Year – Musthafa Hussain

Educator of the Year – Collette Simpson

Winner of Winners (Joint winners) – The L&D COVID Crisis Team & Daniel Pallett