A community worker who's gesture of kindness captured hearts across the world will be among those honoured at this year's One Voice Awards Dinner.

Sadiq Patel will be presented with The John Roberts Outstanding Achievement Award 2018. 

Sadiq Patel was pictured coming to the aide of Jewish woman, Renee Rachel Black, 93, who was visibly upset at a floral tribute in Manchester’s Albert Square following the Manchester terror attacks.

The pair then prayed together before Sadiq helped Ms Black to her feet, carrying her chair as the two linked arms.

The touching moment of solidarity among the heartbreak was caught on camera and shared around the world.

Sadiq said, “Thank you for this award. I feel so honoured and somewhat humbled.  There are so many people working hard to bring communities in Blackburn together. 

“I feel this award is a recognition of the importance of all their work.  

“I was distressed by the horror of the Manchester bombing and like many others, Renee and I just wanted to express our sympathy for all the affected families. I love Blackburn and I’m optimistic about its future.”

One Voice Chairman Abrar Hussain said,  “The Manchester bombing was a truly awful event. This single act of kindness from Sadiq epitomised the unity show after the tragedy. 

“Sadiq Patel is truly a remarkable and inspiring person. 

“His dedication to the community is unwavering and simultaneously is extraordinary. Sadiq embodies what this award represents- that is altruism in its truest form.”

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Scout leader Stuart Parker is this year’s recipient of the Council Leader Award.

The award acknowledges people that have promoted community cohesion through leadership and is chosen by the leader of the Council.
Stuart, who is the District Explorer Scout Commissioner, has been involved in scouting all his life and has served in numerous roles for Blackburn scouts.

As well as scouting, Stuart is a committee member at St George’s Church and is involved in many projects locally as well as developing the Young Leader programme for teenage children from around Blackburn.

Councillor Khan said, “Stuart is a worthy winner of this award. He has done much good work over the years to promote community cohesion. He has led efforts to build bridges between different communities by introducing scouting to many different children from a variety of different backgrounds.”

Stuart, District Explorer Scout Commissioner and Leader at St. George’s Scout Group, said: “I am both humbled and honoured to receive the Community Leadership Award from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Mohammed Khan.

“It’s a massive privilege to accept this award, which reflects the efforts of all the fantastic volunteers from Blackburn District Scouts who work tirelessly to help young people experience adventures of a lifetime.

“We have made great strides in ensuring scouting in Blackburn is as diverse as the community it serves and it’s wonderful to see all our groups working together week in week out. I look forward to continuing to dedicate my time to help grow Scouting within the wide range of communities in our town.”

Abrar Hussain, Chairman One Voice Blackburn, said, “Stuart’s contribution to the young people in Blackburn and Darwen is nothing short of phenomenal. Stuart plays an instrumental role in helping start many of the new groups in the district. 

“It is with his ongoing support to leaders and young people alike that allows Blackburn scouting communities to thrive and grow.”

A number of other awards will be presented on the night too. This year’s finalists include:

Woman of the Year:
Jo Siddle    
Sarah Subhani
Sazeda Patel
Sharmin Iqbal        

Man of the Year:
Aftab Mughal    
Alastair Murdoch    
Hasan Sidat
Tinta Ali

Youth of the Year:
Adam Umarji
Bia Hashmi    
Jack Murray
Ummaih Shah    

Institute of the Year:
Blackburn District Scouts
Friends of Roe Lee Park    
Hands of Hope    
Resolve    

This year’s One Voice dinner will take place in the Windsor Suite at King George’s Hall in front of 200 guests on Saturday 24 February. The dinner will be hosted by 15-year-old WEGS member Zainab Iqbal.