1V MAN OF THE YEAR 2026
The 1V Man of the Year should be a role model for the whole community.
He must demonstrate a series of activities or programmes which have made a real difference in his community, and the wider area of Blackburn. He should be notably influential in supporting individuals or communities in gaining a beneficial result. The 1V Man of the Year should spearhead initiatives and events for the betterment of people.
He should show a real passion for his work and seek to positively impact lives and communities. He should be positive, approachable, and understanding towards all members of the community.
This award is open to volunteers as well as paid staff, however the 1V Man of the Year must go beyond his paid role(s) to be considered for this award. Special credit will go to those that are ambassadors in the area of cohesion and integration, and those who seek to promote gender and racial equality, as well as uplifting marginalized communities.
While the award aims to acknowledge the work of candidates in the previous 12 months, it can also be recognition of a continued level of service to the communities.
HERE ARE YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Jamie
Holman
Jamie Holman is an artist and cultural producer whose work connects communities and heritage across Blackburn. In a town often misrepresented as culturally disengaged, Jamie creates authentic, place-based projects that reflect its diversity. He collaborates with Blackburn Museum, the National Festival of Making, the British Textile Biennial, and the local council, shaping impactful cultural experiences.
Over the past year, his work has extended internationally, linking Blackburn’s heritage with Pakistan through research trips and public art projects. Jamie’s practice fosters inclusion, breaks down barriers, and celebrates Blackburn as a hub of creativity, shared heritage, and cultural pride.
Shiraz
Hussain
Shiraz’s connection to fitness began long before it became his profession. From organising neighbourhood workouts as a child to living a lifestyle rooted in health and discipline, fitness has always been central to who he is. However, it wasn’t until the 2020 lockdowns that his purpose became clear. When friends struggling with their health turned to him for guidance, Shiraz witnessed transformations that went far beyond physical results. As they became stronger and more energised, their mental clarity improved, family relationships strengthened, work performance increased, and their connection to faith deepened.
That experience reshaped Shiraz’s understanding of health. He realised that physical fitness is not an isolated pursuit, but a powerful gateway to emotional balance, mental focus, and spiritual growth. From that moment on, fitness became an act of service.
Today, Shiraz is the founder of a global health program designed specifically for fathers. Through simple, sustainable strategies built on five key principles, he helps men reclaim control of their health without sacrificing the foods they enjoy or neglecting their careers and family responsibilities. For Shiraz, this work is more than a business, it is a mission to strengthen men, families, and communities by building healthier bodies and more purposeful lives.
Anthony
Meara
Anthony Meara, widely known as ‘Turbo’ or ‘Crutchie,’ is a powerful example of resilience and transformation. Once homeless and living on the streets of Manchester, Anthony has turned his life around, overcoming adversity and staying clean for over five months since leaving prison. Committed to giving back, he is recently ran the Blackburn 10K to raise funds and awareness for those experiencing homelessness, especially during the winter months. Supported by friends and mentors who believed in him, Anthony’s story highlights the life-changing impact of compassion, community support, and second chances, inspiring others to overcome challenges and make a difference.
Tabassum (Tabz) Zubair
Tabassum Zubair is an exceptional individual whose contributions to business, community development, and charitable service demonstrate outstanding leadership, compassion, and commitment to others.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, he played a vital role in supporting the UK Government by securing and supplying essential temperature-controlled medical products from multiple international jurisdictions, supporting the care of critically ill patients during a national emergency.
Within the community, he led a seven-year initiative to establish the Al-Buraq Masjid, evolving from a £5,000 charity run into a project raising over £1.5 million. Today, the masjid is a landmark institution promoting unity, understanding, and lasting social benefit.
WINNER Javed Iqbal
Javed Iqbal was the winner of the 1V Man of the Year 2024 at this year’s Awards Dinner, sponsored by Reel Cinema Blackburn.
Javed has been a volunteer in his local community for over 20 years. He supports many residents as a befriender and as a community worker. He runs a men’s mental health group at his local community centre. He uses his strength as a translator to signpost people to the services that they require. Javed also supports the work at his local mosque and the eye department at the hospital with his personal experiences.
Javed was overjoyed and shocked at winning the Man of the Year, “I was amazed and honoured at receiving such a prestigious award, it had left me speechless. I would like to thank the wider community and One Voice Blackburn in organising a fantastic event.”
THE FINALISTS
Raja Razwan Aslam
Raja Aslam is a proud father of four children as well as being a foster carer, currently to two young foster children. He is currently working with Abu Faisal Trust Charity for their campaign in raising funds for the displaced people of Gaza. Raja also recently visited Morocco to deliver aid, food, water and necessities first hand to all those who suffered in the earthquake. Earlier in 2023, he ran the Manchester Marathon whilst fasting during the month of Ramadan and raised over £3,000. Raja completed the 26.2 miles without any food or water all in aid of charity. Raja Aslam is known by many as the ‘Happy Runner’ as he always runs marathons with a huge smile on his face. As a keen runner and health advocate, Raja has taken part in seven marathons over the last few years and has raised over £20,000 for a wide range of charities. He has also been nominated for a Pride of Britain award accolade.
Javed Iqbal
Javed has been a volunteer in his local community for over 20 years. Javed Iqbal supports many residents as a befriender and as a community worker. He runs a men’s mental health group at his local community centre. Currently, Javed is working on a project recent project supporting vulnerable men who are isolated and unable to communicate well due to language barriers. Javed has supported various groups in his role as a English translator to support many members of the local BAME community who don’t speak and understand English as the main language. He is passionate about helping the community in any way possible. He uses his strength as a translator to signpost people to the services that they require. Javed also supports the work at his local mosque and the eye department at the hospital with his personal experiences. He also supports the running of both Accrington Road and Little Harwood community Centres.
Shakil Salam
Shakil Salam has over 25 years experience of working with the public and voluntary sector. He started his career as a housing Officer before becoming a manager for the only multicultural day centre for Age Concern, based in Blackburn. Shakil has also worked within the NHS from 1996 as a Community Development Officer. This role gave him an excellent opportunity to engage with local multicultural communities. Alongside this Shakil has taught Urdu and bilingual Skills at Blackburn College. He joined the Cares Contact (Now Carers Link Lancashire) as a Health lead, supporting carers and providing training to GP/Health professionals. Shakil has a keen interest in promoting positive image of our community and dedicates his time after work to community media and promotion work, particularly for those who cannot speak English. He hosts a health show on Pendle Community Radio every Thursday afternoon and reports for Samaa TV in highlighting the positive work in the community. Shakil is also a trustee of Abaseen Foundation, a charity supporting Health & Education in Pakistan.
Jason Walker
Jason started volunteering from a very young age after lobbying and fighting for more activities and facilities for the youth on the Wimberley Estate where he lived and grew up. Jason was instrumental in the re-formation of the Wimberley Tenants and Residents Association and the Wimberley Youth Group alongside a dear friend. He was the founder of the Young Citizens Association and launched the Young Citizens Awards, working out of Bangor Street community Centre and St. James’s Church Jason Walker has been volunteering for 30 years and has worked alongside many groups and charities in the town. During this time he has helped raised tens of thousands of pounds for Help for Heroes, Royal British Legion (poppy collection), Macmillan Cancer, Nightsafe and Secret Santa. Jason continues to volunteer and help with events such as the National Festival of Making, the Confessional Music Festival, Lancashire Athletics and Blackburn Cathedral Community Theatre.
The 1V Man of the Year should be a role model for the whole community.
He must demonstrate a series of activities or programmes which have made a real difference in his community, and the wider area of Blackburn. He should show a real passion for his work and seek to positively impact lives and communities. This award is open to volunteers as well as paid staff, however the 1V Man of the Year must go beyond his paid role(s) to be considered for this award. Special credit will go to those that are ambassadors in the area of cohesion and integration, and those who seek to promote gender and racial equality, as well as uplifting marginalized communities.
While the award aims to acknowledge the work of candidates in the previous 12 months, it can also be recognition of a continued level of service to the communities.
SPONSORED BY
WINNER 2023
Revolutionary Integration Advocate Wins 1V Man of the Year
An influential and inspirational community member won the 1V Man of the Year Award for his ground-breaking initiatives that have gained nationwide coverage.
Yasir Sufi was honoured with the Award at the respected 1V Awards ceremony held at King George’s Hall in Blackburn.
Taj Shah, Manager at Reel Cinema Blackburn presented Yasir with the trophy on the night.
Over the past year Yasir has created some key collaborative projects, in his post as Integration manager at Blackburn Rover FC, which are being replicated across the country.
He has led the Ewood Express initiative, a bus service that transports local children from the town to attend home matches at Ewood Park.
Yasir Sufi has been instrumental in co-ordinating Eid in the Park at Ewood Park in 2022. This unique event at a football club was recognised through all the main national media channels.
Yasir Sufi also set in motion a prayer/spiritual room at Ewood Park. Both achievements harnessed community cohesion in the town and beyond.
He is passionate about breaking barriers and building cohesion within a sport that can be quite daunting to certain groups in the community.
Yasir also spent eight years working with 400 young footballers in developing and launching Abu Hanifah Foundation FC.
A delighted Yasir told One Voice “I feel absolutely privileged at receiving the 1V Man of the Year Award”. The award is for everyone who has supported me I have been given the opportunity to do. There are many individuals in the community who equally deserve this award.”
SPONSORED BY
Last year’s Winner Tinta Ali