A WOMAN who has assisted people when they are at their most vulnerable is to be honoured at this year’s Fusion Awards.

The Community Achievement Award is one of five special awards dedicated to rewarding individuals in specific fields. This particular honour is given to a person who has gone out of their way to help the community.

Rasheed Begum, now aged 70 started to bathe (ghusl) deceased Muslim females in the Pendle area over two decades ago. The ritual is done before each burial.

She took on the role when one of her best friends passed away from cancer. A few years later another close friend passed away after a heart attack.

She began to carry out the work and soon enough she was being asked by almost every family. Now, she is either asked to conduct the ritual or supervise others.

The UTC Bolton Education Achievement Award will be presented to Pleckgate High School Pupil Ayesha Sultan. Less than two years since she came to the UK from Syria, Aysha has become an inspiration to others in her community and school.

Aysha came to England in 2013 fromSyria and could speak no English.

Aysha is now fluent in English, and is making dramatic progress.

The Community Sports Award will be presented to Ken Livesey of Islington Football Club. The award is made in memory of Blackburn’s Mumtaz Ellahi who was a dedicated sports coach who sadly died of cancer in 2007.

A familiar face at amateur football matches Ken has been involved in local sport for much of his life. As well as playing in local leagues he has run numerous football clubs which have aimed to break down barriers between communities.

In particular the emphasis has been on ensuring young people are able to take part in sport they may not have had a chance too in past. Now aged 57 the ever-determined Ken can still be spotted at matches and even takes to pitch when his side is a player short!

This year’s Fusion event is tomorrow at King George’s Hall.