Bradford local Nazim Ali has won the Positive Role Model: Race, Religion & Faith Award at this year’s National Diversity Awards in association with HSBC UK.
It’s a huge achievement to win as over 90,000 nominees and 125 finalists in 15 categories were named in recognition of their dedication to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion.
Nazim Ali has dedicated 27 years to community, charity and public life. He has raised over £980,000 for local and international causes, including providing food for the homeless and building nearly 300 houses in Malawi, Pakistan, Uganda and Afghanistan.
Nazim was titled the ‘Ramadan Runner’ for his 10K runs while fasting, through which he raised £425,000. He has also undertaken over a dozen self-funded aid trips worldwide, distributing essential supplies.
Through his initiative, the Nazim Ali Foundation Khidma Community Kitchen, he works on involving young volunteers in supporting the vulnerable. For more than 11 years, his ‘Creating Smiles Gifts Initiative’ has brought joy to children in hospitals during over a span of 43 visits. He has also served as a Principal Careers Adviser for 17 years and received an honorary fellowship from the University of Bradford in 2023.
Winners were announced on 4 October 2024 at the 13th National Diversity Awards in the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral where 600 guests were in attendance.
Spotlighting the diversity calendar, the National Diversity Awards unite British citizens irrespective of race, faith, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability and culture.
This year’s event was hosted for the second year running by renowned broadcaster, author, presenter and journalist Clare Balding CBE who, in her life and through her work, champions diversity, inclusion and equity.
“I’m honoured and delighted to return as host for these uplifting and inspiring awards. It’s so important to recognise individuals, organisations and charities going above and beyond to unite their communities, making them stronger, safer and happier,” said Clare Balding, CBE.
“The National Diversity Awards celebrate all that’s good and powerful in an inclusive society and bring much deserved attention to community heroes whose hard work and achievements might otherwise go unnoticed.”
Award recipient Nazim Ali said, “I am profoundly humbled & elated to win such a prestigious national accolade despite the fierce competition & many other worthy & amazing individuals from all corners of the UK. The trophy is coming home to Bradford!
“The last 3 months has been extremely difficult for me & my family with firstly the terminal cancer of my father & seeing his health deteriorate & then his passing away 2 months ago. Dad was proud of my community & charity work having framed some of my pictures!
“During this difficult period, I took no time off & continued my community & charity work despite the inside of me being distraught – my position is people are suffering in our midst & we cannot stop Allah (God’s) work of helping the vulnerable & needy in society.”
Paul Sesay, CEO of Inclusive Companies, and founder of the National Diversity Awards said: “The National Diversity Awards honour the unsung heroes transforming lives and perceptions through their unwavering commitment.
“They also serve to inspire the next generation of diversity advocates to be courageous, take a stand and make a meaningful impact in their communities.”
