Bradford’s multi-award-winning community leader Nazim Ali has added another national accolade to his long list of achievements, winning the Outstanding Contribution to Communities Award at the 2025 National Ethnicity Awards.
The high-profile ceremony, held on Thursday 16 October at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, recognised individuals and organisations working to advance diversity, inclusion and social change across the UK. The event drew hundreds of guests from politics, business, the arts and grassroots community sectors, including campaigners, celebrities and advocates for equality such as Dr Fatima Whitbread and Myleene Klass.
Nazim’s latest award comes just months after he received the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s New Year Honours 2025, recognising his tireless voluntary service over nearly three decades. Over the past 13 years, he has raised almost £1.3 million for charitable causes in the UK and abroad. His efforts include building 347 houses for vulnerable families in Malawi, Pakistan, Uganda, Afghanistan and Burundi, as well as funding food, shelter and essential supplies for those in need.
Nicknamed the “Ramadan Runner” for his annual 10K charity runs while fasting, Nazim has raised over £512,000 from these events alone. His humanitarian efforts extend beyond fundraising: through the Nazim Ali Foundation, he runs the weekly Khidma Community Kitchen at the Millan Centre in Manningham, which has served almost 14,000 hot meals since its launch in February 2024. Supported by long-term sponsor Saveco Cash & Carry, the kitchen provides warm, two-course meals to people in need, regardless of faith, ethnicity or background.
National Award Won By Nazim Ali Nazim also leads the Creating Smiles Gifts Initiative, which delivers gifts to children’s wards at Bradford Royal Infirmary and Airedale Hospital. To date, 48 visits have been completed, bringing joy to hundreds of young patients and their families. Both initiatives are funded through sponsorships and community support, reflecting Nazim’s belief in local partnerships that uplift others.
In his acceptance speech, Nazim said: “I am profoundly humbled and elated to win yet another national accolade despite the fierce competition and so many other worthy and inspiring nominees. The last 14 months have been extremely difficult following the passing of my beloved father, who was proud of my community and charity work. I dedicate this award to his memory. My position has always been clear – people are suffering in our midst, and we cannot stop Allah’s work of helping the vulnerable and needy. No award comes close to making a human heart happy.”
Nazim was joined at the event by his close friend Mohammed Azeem, who survived cancer and a 61-day hospital stay with Covid-19, including 41 days in a coma. Nazim described Azeem as “a living inspiration” and said sharing the evening with him made the recognition “all the more special”.
The National Ethnicity Awards, now in its seventh year, shines a light on individuals and organisations driving positive change for Black, Asian and diverse ethnic communities in the UK. It continues to celebrate those working at the intersection of community service, advocacy and representation, values Nazim Ali has embodied for nearly three decades.
