Nazim Ali (pictured above), from Bradford, has won the Positive Role Model: Race, Religion & Faith Award at this year’s National Diversity Awards in association with HSBC UK.

Acclaimed the ‘Golden Globes’ of the diversity world, the National Diversity Awards unites UK citizens irrespective of race, faith, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability and culture.

It’s a huge achievement to win as over 90,000 nominees and 125 finalists in 15 categories were named in recognition of their dedication to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion.

Nazim Ali, Bradford’s Award-Winning Community Champion, has dedicated 27 years to community, charity and public life.

He’s raised over £980,000 for local and international causes, including providing food for the homeless and building nearly 300 houses in Malawi, Pakistan, Uganda and Afghanistan.

Known as the ‘Ramadan Runner’ for his 10K runs while fasting, he’s raised £425,000 from these 11 annual Ramadan runs alone.

Having undertaken over a dozen self-funded aid trips worldwide, distributing essential supplies, his dedication to humanitarian causes hasn’t gone unnoticed, and has seen him pick up numerous awards over the years.

Through his initiative, the Nazim Ali Foundation Khidma Community Kitchen, he’s involved young volunteers in supporting the vulnerable. For over 11 years, his ‘Creating Smiles Gifts Initiative’ has brought joy to children in hospitals during his 43 visits.

He has also served as a Principal Careers Adviser for 17 years and received an honorary fellowship from the University of Bradford in 2023.

Winners were announced on 4th October at the prestigious 13th National Diversity Awards in the stunning Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. 600 guests were in attendance.

A highlight in the diversity calendar, this year’s event was hosted for the second year running by world-renowned broadcaster, author, presenter and journalist Clare Balding, CBE who, in her life and through her work, champions diversity, inclusion and equity.

Clare Balding, CBE said: “I’m honoured and delighted to return as host for these uplifting and inspiring awards. It’s so important to recognise individuals, organisations and charities going above and beyond to unite their communities, making them stronger, safer and happier.

The National Diversity Awards celebrate all that’s good and powerful in an inclusive society and bring much deserved attention to community heroes whose hard work and achievements might otherwise go unnoticed.”

Nazim Ali said, “I am profoundly humbled and elated to win such a prestigious national accolade despite the fierce competition & many other worthy and amazing individuals from all corners of the UK.

The trophy has finally come home to Bradford!

The last three-months has been extremely difficult for my family and myself with firstly the terminal cancer of my father, seeing his health deteriorate, and then his passing away two-months ago.”

He added: “Dad was proud of my community and charity work having framed some of my pictures! During this difficult period I took no time off, and continued my community and charity work despite the inside of me being distraught.

My position is people are suffering in our midst and we cannot stop Allah (God’s) work of helping the vulnerable and needy in society. As I often state, ‘no award comes remotely close to making a human heart happy!’ 

That’s what it’s all about, and the buzz you get from this is indescribable. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me during my journey; you all know who you are.”