Community Stars: Volunteer award finalists

IMTIAZ NAQVI

Imtiaz was a founder member of the Bradford Association of Visually Impaired People (BAVIP) when it was established ten years ago, having started to lose his sight in 1976.

He acted as the group's chairman for many years, and also has voluntary roles with Bradnet, the Bradford Community and Care Alliance, Bradford Talking Media, and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Between 2007 and 2009, he was part of the successful campaign to end a discrimination in disability payments to blind and partially-sighted people, giving them the same mobility allowance as those with other disabilities.

He has also presented a television programme on the Asian Channel since 2008 to help promote a positive image of disability.

Last year, BAVIP called on Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to give visually-impaired people a choice of formats on how to receive their hospital appointments in a bid to reduce the number that were missed.

Caroline Goodwill, who nominated Imtiaz, said: "He is determined to prove that disability is no barrier to achievement and helping others.

"He works quietly and with humour to bring people of all walks of life together and improve the situation of people with disabilities.

"He leads by example and works tirelessly for people across the city."

SEAN RIDLEY

Sean volunteers as a Community First Responder with West Yorkshire Ambulance Service and also gives up his free time to help The British Red Cross.

He works as a security guard at the Kirkgate Shopping Centre in Bradford, but has ambitions to join the ambulance service full-time in the future.

Sean gave up his time when the Tour De France visited the region in July, and he regularly drives the fire and emergency support van with the British Red Cross, supporting Idle Fire Station.

He was nominated by friend Ellie Gray after drama intervened on a day out for the pair when they got stuck in traffic near Apperley Bridge and realised a car had crashed.

Sean rushed to the wrecked car and managed to squeeze in to sit next to the injured driver, holding his head steady until emergency services arrived.

He then stayed in the car while firefighters had to cut the roof off, accompanying the man before he was airlifted to hospital.

Miss Gray said: "The paramedics and firemen praised Sean on his quick reactions and bravery, keeping the man calm while everything was going on around him.

"Sean is the most selfless person I know, when it comes to helping people at their time of need he will do anything he can.

"He always goes above and beyond the call of duty."

SHIRLEY THOMPSON

Shirley has been a volunteer with Menston Cares for ten years, initially providing respite for carers, and then being the organiser of the support group for the past seven years.

In 2011 she became the organiser and contact person for the Respite for Carers and Visiting and Befriending support groups.

Shirley produces a 'Support for Carers' leaflet explaining Menston Cares’ services, and regularly offers to meet carers in the village café.

She has offered to help people in a local care home Skype their families in order to keep in touch, and has suggested that Menston develops its own “Silver Line” to keep housebound people in touch by phone.

Damian Fisher, of Bradford Council, nominated Shirley and said: "She uses her skills, acquired when she was assistant manager at Heather Court residential home, to help others in the community. "She visits everyone requesting help to assess the situation, and often provides respite herself if no-one else is available.

"There are twelve people who receive regular visits, and firm friendships have been established.

"Shirley is also part of a rota of volunteers who sit with the wife of a carer, enabling him to do the weekly shop and have a break."

Right click on the coupon above to save a printable version to your computer by selecting 'Save image as'

Or click here to download a PDF version of the coupon to print
 

THE OTHER CATEGORIES: