THOSE who raise thousands for local clubs, organisations and causes are often the power behind projects that make a huge difference to our lives.

The Fundraiser of the Year award is designed to recognise the huge efforts that goes on - often behind the scenes - to bring change to our communities.

The finalists are Alex Foxhall, Inayah Sher and Saliha Sadiq.

Five-year-old Alex Foxhall from Wibsey wanted to raise money for children in hospital following the loss of his playgroup friend, Axl Walker two years ago.

His mum Louise helped Alex achieve his goal of raising funds for Axl’s Toy Fund and the young lad set about walking, running,cycling or scooting 25 miles throughout the month of August. Alex beat his goal by completing 40 miles, raising £751. The money went towards additional toys and games for the Children’s Unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary during the pandemic.

Louise said: “I explained if children in hospital had toys, it would make them feel better. Playing with distraction toys and games really helped Axl while he was undergoing his treatment.”

Bradford Hospitals’ Charity’s Hayley Collis said: “We rely on people just like Alex and his sponsors to make such a difference at this time.”

Inayah Sher is the founder of the Bradford4Better group - created due to what her nominator calls “a dream to make Bradford shine like the star it should be”.

Now, with over 5,000 members on Facebook alone, it has inspired people to clean up their local area, build connections with neighbours and commit to a pledge. In June 2020, the group embarked on a charity mission to help those in need of household items to better their lives. Bradford4Better delivered hundreds of hot meals, groceries and books as well as 40 bags of toys. The group also helped a man named Charles who had been living in a home in need of repairs, making it a safer and more enjoyable environment.

Inayah said: “I accept with gratitude and humility this finalist position, but do so only on behalf of every single generous Bradford person who played a selfless and altruistic role to help the vulnerable and those in need.”

Saliha Sadiq, well-known for her work on life-boosting mental health projects at the Millan Centre, helps voluntary groups in Bradford as well as volunteering to raise £290,000 in total for a number of charities. All the while working for the NHS full time and completing voluntary and charity work in the evenings and weekend. This includes the Kashmir Education Foundation, Indus Hospital Charities which provides free healthcare to those in need across 52 districts of Pakistan and supports her own charity, Madat Project UK, that ships clothing to those with mental health struggles and abandoned children in Karachi. Her nominator, Elizabeth Helmich, who works alongside Saliha, described Saliha as “driven to give the best she can to any work she undertakes”.

Saliha said: “I feel privileged to be nominated and proud to serve my community.”

You can vote for your chosen finalist here