In 2013 Labonya Siddiqui was presented with the UcLan Education Achievement award. 

Here, we take a look at some of most inspirational winners in the run-up the 10th Fusion Awards ceremony. The event has helped to highlight the fantastic work of volunteers, charity workers and entrepreneurs through the North West.

The ceremony in 2016 will be held at King George’s Hall, Blackburn on Saturday, May 28.


Labonya of Burnley is a burns victim who has become an inspiration to her community.
Labonya was in Bangladesh and just eight years old when suffered horrific burns after a kerosene lantern exploded in her face, engulfing her whole body.

Despite the injuries she pulled through. She did not attend school for three years so when she came to the UK she was fearful that she would be shunned and bullied.

But the determined young girl wanted to teach people that despite everything they can still succeed as human beings. She attended Thomas Witham High School school in Burnley and then finished her A-Levels and is now completing a Chemistry degree at Bradford University.

She went on to realise her dream of becoming a model and appeared as part of a campaign for high street giant Next.

She said, “I am really honoured to win this award. It feels wonderful.

“I think it is important that young people take advantage of the education opportunities they have. Many people in poor countries do not have these opportunities.

“When I lived in Bangladesh I badly wanted to go to school but could not. When I came here it was difficult to settle in as I had missed three years of schooling.”

HOW TO NOMINATE IN 2016
Send your nomination to news@asianimage.co.uk or nominate@thefusionawards.co.uk or post to: Newspaper House, High Street, Blackburn, Lancashire BB1 1HT. Please supply 400 words on why you your chosen organisation or individual should be a finalist at this year's event.

You can nominate yourself or someone else. All entrants must be based in the North West of England with the closing date for all nominations March 31 2016.

Categories in 2016 include:  Community Cohesion Award, Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Youth Leadership Award, Community Group of the Year, Public Service Award and Education Achievement Award.