Finalists for Fundraiser of the Year in 2023's Community Stars Awards

The finalists are Emon Choudhury, Jeffrey Long and Nicola Wheeler. 

Emon Choudhury

Emon is known to millions after appearing in the hit BBC series Race Across the World, in which he was visibly moved by the desperate plight of street children in South America.

Since then he has devoted himself to raising money for charity.

After finding out he had been nominated and was a finalist he said: “I’m quite surprised and blown away. I think being recognised in Bradford itself for the work I’ve done means a lot more to me than the national recognition that I’ve already got. The things that I do are always to do with West Yorkshire. A lot of community groups or charities I support have got some connection with Bradford or West Yorkshire.” 

He said: “Race Across the World was an experience of a lifetime and when you see something you can’t unsee it. My life has changed since then. I believe in helping others or helping charities and communities wherever I can.”

He was nominated by his nephew Hassan Choudhury who said: “My uncle is a remarkable person who inspires people with his courage and determination, he has raised more than £100,000 for various charities.”

He said: “He encourages people to get out running especially those with kids and disabilities, he’s an ambassador for his local park run which has grown enormously over the last year due to his social media posts.

He said: “Last Sunday during the Great North Run he sacrificed his race in order to help a fellow runner cross the finish line. He literally carried him over the line in the true spirit of the Great North Run. What a hero.”

Nicola Wheeler

Nicola has worked tirelessly to support Airedale Hospital and Community Charity.
Her nominator said: “Nicola has been a fantastic advocate, support and fundraiser for AHCC’s haematology and oncology fund over the last few years.

“Nicola’s friend and colleague was diagnosed with terminal cancer a few years ago. Feeling completely hopeless and unable to fix it she decided to shave her head for charity along with wild swimming every day.

“Nicola selflessly asked her friend where she would like the money she raised to be donated and made sure she was involved.”

She said: “Nicola’s love of fundraising has led her to undertake lots more challenges and events. She has become a regular supporter and fundraiser for our haematology and oncology day unit. She is an amazing advocate for Airedale Hospital and the charity and is always on the lookout for the next opportunity.”

She added: “She is a true community star. In the last two years she has raised over £10,000 for Airedale Hospital.”

Jeffrey Long 

Jeffrey Long MBE's nominator said: “He is always there to help anyone in need. He’s an inspiration to everyone, often referred to as a one man army."

The former paratrooper has long supported Bowel Cancer UK and Blood Cancer UK - having recently completed a 100km challenge for the cause this August.

Jeffrey is President of the Royal British Legion Bradford Central Branch and is well known for his epic walk’s for charity, which started in 2007. In his 75th year he walked unsupported solo from London to Lausanne - a distance of 625 miles.

For the last five years, Jeffrey has been receiving daily chemotherapy for cancer, which he has to undertake for rest of his life.

Jeffrey also walks with a back injury he sustained in 1954, when his parachute malfunctioned and he fell several hundred of feet to the ground, severely injuring himself.

He now walks with a limp and a walking stick, restricting how many miles he can achieve per day.

QR code to vote for Bradford's Community Stars Awards finalists for 2023 (Image: Newsquest)

How to vote

To vote for your local hero, please visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CL68FHT or scan the QR code.

Voting will end at midnight on Tuesday, November 21.

Finalists for Bradford's Community Star Awards

For 2023's awards, there are 10 categories in total.

Click the category to find out more about each finalist

• The Good Neighbour of the Year, sponsored by Incommunities
• The Outstanding Contribution to Earliest Years of Life Award, sponsored by Better Start Bradford
• Shared Values in Action Award, sponsored by Bradford For Everyone
• Voluntary and Community Group (Larger Charities / Social Enterprises)
• Voluntary and Community Group (Small organisation – less than two full time or equivalent staff)
• Volunteer of the Year
• Young Active Citizens (age 8-16)
• Young Active Citizens (age 17-25)
• Business Making a Difference, sponsored by Participate Projects
• Fundraiser of the Year

How to vote

To vote for your local hero, please visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CL68FHT or scan the QR code.

Voting will end at midnight on Tuesday, November 21.

Speaking on the selfless work highlighted in the awards, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: “We are fortunate that across the Bradford district we have many kind, compassionate and generous people who make a selfless contribution to their communities and have a huge, positive impact on our district. 

“There are some absolute stars in our community and it is great that these awards shine a light on these brilliant people and give them the thanks and recognition that they deserve.”