By the time Nazim Ali reached Ward 17 at Airedale Hospital, he had already made history of a quiet, human kind.
The bags in his hands – filled with cuddly toys, play sets and baby gifts – marked the 50th time he has delivered presents to children in hospital over the past 13 years.
This week’s visit carries particular meaning. It coincides with 27th Rajab, one of the holiest nights in the Islamic calendar, commemorating the Prophet Muhammad’s (BPUH) spiritual journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and beyond.
For Ali, a multi-award-winning community campaigner from Bradford, it is a moment to translate faith into action.
“We wanted to spread goodness and positivity at a time when families are under enormous stress,” he said.
“Having a child in hospital is frightening. These gifts are a reminder that the wider community cares.”
Dozens of presents were delivered to children aged from newborn to 16, for every child on the ward, regardless of faith.
Ali’s motivation is deeply personal. As a five-year-old, he spent months in hospital battling tuberculosis. “I can empathise with what these children are going through,” he said. “Those hundreds of smiles over the years have enriched me and humbled me.”
The initiative, called ‘Creating Smiles’, began in 2013 and now runs five times a year – for Eid, Christmas, Easter and the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, as well as 27th Rajab – supporting both Airedale Hospital and Bradford Royal Infirmary.
Thousands of pounds’ worth of gifts have been distributed.
This week’s visit was made with Mohammed Azeem, a long-time supporter and “friend of Airedale Hospital”, who spent more than 40 days in a coma with Covid-19 during the pandemic. The project is sponsored by Bradford-based Saveco Cash & Carry, whose managing director Shiraz Ahmed, alongside Fairaz Ahmed, has backed the scheme for years.
“We are truly humbled to support this fabulous initiative,” Shiraz Ahmed said.
“Knowing so many children will feel joy when they receive their presents fills us with happiness. Giving back is part of our responsibility as a Bradford business.”
Karen Reece, play leader at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “These gifts will be hugely appreciated by the children and families on the unit. A huge thank you to Nazim, Azeem and Saveco for their continued support.”
Nazim dedicates each drop to the values he says lie at the heart of Islam. “The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught kindness and compassion to all, particularly those in need,” he said.
“These are universal values. They bring people together.”
His work stretches far beyond toy drops. Through the Nazim Ali Foundation, he runs the Khidma Community Kitchen in Manningham, serving hot meals every week. Since March 2024, more than 15,000 meals have been provided. Over the past 13 years, Nazim has raised almost £1.3m for charitable causes.
In recognition of his work, he received a British Empire Medal in the 2025 King’s New Year Honours, attended the Queen’s Garden Party in 2022, and was awarded an honorary fellowship by the University of Bradford in 2023.
Yet standing in a hospital corridor, those accolades feel distant. What matters is a small hand clutching a new toy, a moment of distraction, a spark of joy.
