TRIBUTE TO FAMILY: Sajid was joined by his mother and father on stage, dedicating his award to them
TRIBUTE TO FAMILY: Sajid was joined by his mother and father on stage, dedicating his award to them

Inspirational award for inspirational citizen

Community heroes from across the UK gathered in the bustling city of Liverpool last month to celebrate the outstanding achievements of those who have demonstrated exceptional devotion to diversity, equality and inclusion at the National Diversity Awards.

In the category of ‘Positive Role Model of the Year for Age’, Burton’s Sajid Rashid was eventually named as the award recipient, receiving the accolade ahead of the seven other shortlisted finalists and over 20,000 nominations.

At the age of only 26, Sajid is one of the youngest persons ever to have been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) from Her Majesty The Queen on the New Year’s Honours List 2016 for his tireless service to the community, as well as a profound impact on the community and fundraising.

Sajid started volunteering at Staffordshire Youth Service and quickly progressed to become a Millennium volunteer after helping young people around East Staffordshire set up youth centres in his spare time.

He then moved his focus to Uxbridge Community Centre where he became chairman, and then vice-chairman, allowing him to improve the venue and the community.

Working for Rolls-Royce as well as a qualified pilot, it has enabled Sajid to impact both his local and international community, and has allowed him to explore STEM fields in order to inspire young minds.

To date, Sajid has raised over £20,000 for natural disasters around the world.

DESERVED WINNER: Sajid Rashid was awarded the ‘Positive Role Model of the Year for Age’ award at the National Diversity Awards
DESERVED WINNER: Sajid Rashid was awarded the ‘Positive Role Model of the Year for Age’ award at the National Diversity Awards

The successful fundraiser was in attendance on the night to accept his award, which he dedicated to his parents.

Speaking on stage that night, he said: “My mum and dad are probably thinking why have I brought them up to stage with me.

“Well the reason for this is that I don’t always get a chance to express how I feel about them. The reason for this award is them.

“My mother and father, my pride, my joy. I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for them, the goals that I have achieved and conquered in life, the success and the blessings, Is all because of them.

“So I would like to personally dedicate this award to my parents for everything they have done for me throughout life.”

He went on to say: “I would like to also congratulate all the winners as well as the nominees.

“Win or lose in my eyes you are all winners. Its people such as yourselves that put the ‘great’ back into Great Britain, that unites society instead of dividing.

“Community cohesion and diversity is what makes our Britain great against the rest of the world. This is what makes me proud of our nation.”

The Diversity Award is just the latest accolade Sajid has picked up this year, following on from his BEM and British Citizens Award.