A BRADFORD-based charity has shared its memories of the Queen following her death.

The chief executive of QED Foundation, Dr Mohammed Ali OBE, said the Queen was an important figure for its service users.

The charity, which provides training and employment support to ethnic minority communities both in Bradford and across the UK, reflected on how over 100 members of its team came together for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations in June.

“That was a joyful occasion but the atmosphere in our offices and training suites is very different now, after her passing,” said Dr Ali OBE.

“Back in June it was heart-warming to see just how much the Queen meant to our service users ― not just those from commonwealth nations, but also those from countries across the world.

“Our charity has always had strong connections with the Queen. She was an inspiration to many of those who work in the voluntary sector, and we are grateful for the steadfast commitment and support of the Royal Family.

“We were delighted when Adeeba Malik briefed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge about QED’s 30 years of work when they visited Bradford in 2020.

“I still remember the impact of Prince Charles’s visits to the Bradford and Manchester offices of the charity Fullemploy in 1985 and 1986, which I was running back then, and his interest in my work with disadvantaged ethnic minority communities.”

Dr Ali was awarded the OBE for services to ethnic minority communities in 2001.

QED Foundation deputy chief executive Adeeba Malik received the MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list in 2004 for her work in her home city of Bradford.

In 2015 she also gained a CBE in recognition of her achievements in promoting interfaith and community cohesion.

She is currently acting as the Queen’s representative in West Yorkshire in the role of deputy lieutenant.

For more information contact Dr Mohammed Ali OBE on 01274 545000 or 07812 010918, email m.ali@qed-uk.org or visit www.qed-uk.org