Finalists for this year’s Fusion Awards announced

The awards again recognise people from across cultural and religious backgrounds who continue to work tirelessly within their communities.

They remain the only awards of its kind in the North West which look to reward unsung organisations and individuals from a range of backgrounds.

For the first time organisers are bringing the awards into the centre of Blackburn to King George’s Hall. Finalists from Manchester, Rochdale, Oldham, Bury and Bolton will join East Lancashire’s unsung heroes.

Among the East Lancashire finalists in the man of the year category sees a joint nomination for Faruk Vali, Rafiq Ahmed, Ilyas Karbhari and Sufyan Dadabhai who recently raised funds for a hospice by trekking to Mount Everest.

They are joined by among others Sinclair Morris of the Action for the Community group.

The St Barnabas Church and Community Centre is the only Blackburn organisation in the Community Group of the year category.

They are joined by The Outreach Bolton team who work with disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals.

The little known but committed Preston Telugu Community Association. Also short-listed are the Children of Jannah team and the Rochdale Bangladeshi Partnership Project.

Youth Action, based in Blackburn, which now has offices across the region is listed in the Youth Leadership Category.

It is joined by Aeman Ali Afzal who has been active in helping to promote youth related activities in the past year. Also listed is are the Lower Falinge Junior Wardens of Rochdale and volunteer Tayyab Ahmed of Preston are among the finalists in the Youth Leadership Award section.

In the Community Cohesion Award Pendle group Inspiring Grace are joined by Burnley’s Sobia Malik. The Dean, Very Rev'd Christopher Armstrong of Blackburn Cathedral, is noted for his work in helping to break down barriers between different religions.

The woman of the year cataegory includes volunteers Joan Beale, charity worker Wendy Veevers alongside Senior Health Development Worker, Rubina Malik and doctor Padmini Sankar.

This year’s Fusion Awards are supported by among others Uclan, Aksa Homes, AMT Lawyers, First Class Learning and BAE Systems, A BAE spokesman said: “The Fusion Awards and BAE Systems share many of the same values – a passion for supporting local communities, recognising innovative people who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo and encouraging a contribution from all members of their respective communities, irrespective of background or culture.”

“BAE Systems is proud to support the 2014 Fusion Awards and to sponsor the Youth Leadership Award.”

The 2014 awards will be held for the first time at King George’s Hall, Blackburn, on Saturday, May 24, where due to demand the capacity will increase to 450 guests. For further information you may call 01254 298263.