Winners Sparkle in Awards Ceremony
An Awards Dinner celebrated the very best of Blackburn as volunteers and charities walked away with the top prizes in a stunning ceremony in King George’s Hall.
The 10th 1V Awards Dinner, sponsored by Together Housing and Newground, took place on Saturday.
The awards included the Aya Hachem Young Person, Group, Man and Woman of the Year, as well as the newly introduced Health Award.
The dinner was hosted by 14 year olds Alisha Seedat, Aleeza Isa, Maya Khalid and Bilal Hussain.
The young hosts interviewed key people from Blackburn and Darwen including the Chief Executive of the Council Denise Park, Founding Editor of Asian Image Shuiab Khan, and previous winners of the awards.
Alisha Seedat
Aleeza Isa
Maya Khalid
Bilal Hussain
It was held at King George’s Hall in Blackburn and was arranged by charity One Voice Blackburn. Over 400 guests attended the glittering ‘Saturday Night Fever’ themed event. The Dinner also highlighted the work of the charity.
The evening also featured 16 year old singing sensation Hafsah Khonat who performed some of the classic Saturday Night Fever soundtracks.
The Aya Hachem Young Person of the Year award, sponsored by Blackburn College, was won by Muhammed Karbarhi, who said, “This award has given me the motivation to continue working hard in making a positive impact in everything I do. I look forward to using this recognition to inspire others and and contribute to the growth and developments of all my future endeavours.”
The Award was presented by Aya’s mum Samar Salame, who thanked the organisers for inviting her to the event, and creating this lasting legacy for her daughter.
The Group of the Year. sponsored Blackburn Youth Zone, was won by Blackburn Food Bank for their continued work during unprecedented times. On accepting the award, Aamirah Ayub said, “Thank you on behalf of the amazing team of volunteers, staff, and trustees. Thank you to everyone who supports Blackburn Foodbank with donations and otherwise.”
IMO Charity were the winners of the inaugural 1V Health Award, sponsored by Spring North.
Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Sidat was delighted at receiving the award and said, “We are thrilled to have won the 1V Health Award. IMO would like to thank everyone who has supported and joined us on this unforgettable journey.”
Yasir Sufi who was awarded 1V Man of the Year, sponsored by Reel Cinema, Blackburn expressed his delight at winning. “I feel absolutely privileged at receiving this award. It is for everyone who has supported me. There are many individuals in the community who equally deserve this award.”
1V Aya Hachem Young Person of the Year Muhammed Karbhari
1V Group of the Year
Blackburn Foodbank
1V Health Award
IMO Charity
1V Man of the Year
Yasir Sufi
1V Woman of the Year
Uzma Khan
1V John Roberts Outstanding Achievement Award Firoza Mohmed
The 1V Woman of the Year award, sponsored by Lancashire Mind, went to Uzma Khan for her work in encouraging members of the local community to better their physical and mental health through walking.
“I’m still a little overwhelmed as this was a total surprise but as they say good things happen to those who wait,” said Uzma.
“This award is not only mine but for the entire team of Four Seasons Outdoors without whom this award would not have been possible.”
The awards culminated in the John Roberts Outstanding Achievement Award, which was presented to Firoza Mohmed for her work in supporting victims of domestic abuse and violence.
“It was a great honour to receive the Outstanding Achievement award. It was truly an amazing evening of celebrations at the 1V Awards Dinner. All the finalists and winners deserve special priase. The real highlight for me was One Voice giving young people opportunities not seen before,” said a delighted and emotional Firoza Mohmed.
The 1V Awards also featured the Leadership Award, individually sponsored by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, which was presented to Jamie Holman.
On receiving the award Jamie said, “Blackburn is an exciting place to be, our cultural and artistic communities are thriving; and to be recognised for enhancing the reputation of Blackburn and bringing communities together makes me proud of the work I produce.”
One Voice Chairman Abrar Hussain suggested that this was the best 1V Awards event yet. “This was the tenth anniversary of the awards, and the calibre of winners demonstarates what a remarkable community and voluntary sector that exists in our borough. As an organisation we are proud to showcase their achievements.”
The real show stoppers on the evening were the young hosts who delivered an unforgettable performance on the stage, and on the floor at King George’s Hall. The event also featured an emotional commemoration video featuring messages from families who had lost loved ones.
The finale of the 1V Awards included the launch of a stunning video, supported by the Arts Council, representing Blackburn. The video entitled – Blackburn – We live It, We Breathe It, We Love It – was produced by One Voice Blackburn and features 14 year old Alisha Seedat as she strolls through the town.
Watch it now…