Nazim Ali, one of Bradford’s most active community figures, has once again brought smiles to the faces of children in hospital. He was marking Eid-Ul-Adha with a special delivery of toys to Airedale General Hospital.

The visit was part of the Nazim Ali Foundation’s 12th Annual ‘Creating Smiles Gifts Initiative’, now in its 12th year. This latest delivery marks the 47th hospital distribution since the initiative began and the third such visit of 2025.

Nazim said: “It was a gesture of kindness to remind children that they are not forgotten, especially during special occasions like Eid. The gifts are for all children, regardless of faith or background. The essence of Eid is compassion and that’s what this initiative is about.”

Nazim was joined at Airedale Hospital’s Ward 17 by his younger brother Yasir Ali, a long-time friend of the hospital. The duo delivered over 30 gifts, including cuddly toys, baby playsets, and games for children aged 0-16. The donation aimed to bring some light and joy to young patients spending Eid in the hospital.

The initiative continues to receive major backing from Bradford-based Saveco Cash & Carry, which has been the principal sponsor of the ‘Creating Smiles’ programme for several years. The company supports five hospital gift runs each year at both Airedale General Hospital and Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Nazim said: “I am sincerely grateful to Shiraz Ahmed and Fairaz Ahmed of Saveco for their unwavering support. They have helped us provide thousands of pounds worth of toys and gifts over the years. Their generosity means everything to these children and their families.”

Shiraz Ahmed, CEO of Saveco Cash & Carry, said the business takes pride in giving back to the local community.

He said: “We are humbled to support Nazim once again. Seeing the joy these gifts bring to children in our city’s hospitals is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s toy drives, foodbank partnerships or soup kitchens, giving back is something we at Saveco are deeply committed to as a Bradford-based business.”

Nazim, who was born and raised in Bradford, knows first-hand how it feels to spend long periods in hospital. He battled tuberculosis as a child and recalls the comfort that kindness brought him during those difficult times.

He said: “As a young boy, I was treated by NHS staff who didn’t care what my faith or background was. They just looked after me. That spirit of humanity and service is something I’ve carried into my adult life.”

Staff at Airedale Hospital also welcomed the latest visit. Karen Reece, play leader at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are once again extremely grateful for Nazim’s generous donation, made possible by Saveco’s support. The gifts bring joy to our young patients, and we truly appreciate the continued kindness.”

Outside of hospital visits, Nazim’s charitable work spans a wide range of initiatives. In February 2024, he launched the ‘Khidma (Service) Community Kitchen’ at the Millan Centre in Manningham, providing hot two-course meals every Tuesday evening. To date, the kitchen has served over 10,500 free meals to those most in need across Bradford.

His community service has been recognised nationally. In January 2025, Nazim received the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s New Year Honours, and in July 2023, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the University of Bradford. He also attended the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May this year in recognition of his decades of voluntary work.

Nazim said: “Bradford is a city full of heart. These children, their families, and our NHS staff deserve our support, not just during Eid, but always. I feel blessed to be able to give back to the place that raised me.”