WE were inundated with nominations in the volunteer category this year, with some entrants nominated more than once.
The long list was whittled down to four people: Phil Kirtley, Shirley Holdsworth, Sajjad Sasiq and Shinghai Mabhumbo.
PHIL KIRTLEY was nominated for his endless efforts with the Home from Hospital Team - part of the charity, Carers Resource.
The pensioner makes up food hampers for patients coming home after a hospital admission as well as helping the staff by making up the assessment packs.
His nominee said: “Phil is an older gentleman who never lets his age interfere with his commitment to help.
“He always says he’s ‘mighty fine’ and brings a cheerful smile with him, which makes his colleagues feel mighty fine too.
“He is such a positive person and is an inspiration to his colleagues. He is a determined man who seeks to overcome obstacles rather than be held back.
“He keeps us all entertained with the many hobbies he has, including singing in a male voice choir.”
Phil also plays an important role in recycling for the organisation, keeps an eye on stock levels and is always willing to pop to the shops to replace any missing items.
Phil said: “I was surprised and pleased. It’s very nice.
“They were very good when my wife was ill with Alzheimers. It felt like I wanted to give a bit back. I’ve done five years there.”
SHIRLEY HOLDSWORTH has been nominated for giving up her time for the Eccleshill Voluntary Steering Group, part of Eccleshill Mechanics Institute.
Not only is Shirley a board member but she organises big dates like the Eccleshill Village Fair and Eccleshill’s Christmas Light Switch every year. Both of these events need a huge amount of planning and organisation. Shirley brings other volunteers together and makes these events happen for the community in Eccleshill.
When she found out about the nomination, Shirley said: “I feel humbled and a bit sad - there aren’t enough folks who volunteer and volunteers make all the difference to communities coming together.”
SAJJAD SASIQ has been nominated for his work with Hainworth Wood Community Centre to set up a monthly In April 2018 Sajjad along with Hainworth Wood Community Centre (Keighley) set up a monthly community kitchen.
The Community Kitchen has proved to be very popular with Keighley people and even further afield with most of the costs coming from his own pocket.
His nominator said: “He will go out of his way to help people whenever asked. He is a family man who encourages his children to become involved with his charitable activities.”
He also makes regular trips abroad to various refugee camps delivering much needed supplies. Sajjad also does ‘challenges’ to raise money for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope.
Sajjad said: “It is very humbling to be recognised by the local community, but I feel it is a collective effort where everyone gets involved for the betterment of all we serve. I personally feel that we should be doing more as unfortunately the situation out there is progressively getting worse. I would like to take this opportunity to convey my gratitude and appreciation.”
SHINGAI MABHUMBO is celebrated for running the only LGBT asylum and immigration support group in Bradford.
She is an Asylum seeker herself and has run the group every week for the last 12 months.
This group offers a safe space and support for LGBT asylum seekers who often leave their countries because of stigma surrounding their sexuality.
Over the last 12 months she has helped more than 12 people gain their status and countless more to navigate the asylum process.
She also joined in with Global Bradford day, bringing people together with food, music and speeches.
Shingai said: “I am still so shocked and surprised because all the work I do is for the people and organisations that I support. Giving back to the different communities keeps me grounded.”
Vote for your Community Star here
Voting deadline: Thursday, November 28
COMMUNITY STARS SHORTLISTS:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here