Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, 27 extraordinary people from across the UK are being recognised with the coveted British Citizen Award. One of them is Mansoor Ahmad from London. Due to the current lockdown, the usual grand medal presentation ceremony at The Palace of Westminster is unable to take place. For only the second time in its history, Mansoor and the remaining 26 medalists received their BCA medals by courier, together with video messages of congratulations together with an invitation to the House of Lords at a date yet to be determined, when it is safe to do so.

The British Citizen Award (BCA), in association with One-Stop, is now in its sixth year and recognises exceptional people who positively impact their communities. Mansoor Ahmad is honoured with a BCAv for Services to Volunteering & Charitable Giving.

Mansoor arrived in the UK from Bangladesh in 2007 under the British Government Highly Skilled Migration Programme. He is committed to alleviating the suffering and hardship of those in his local community, using his accountancy knowledge to offer free services to local businesses and free business advice for those on the fringes encouraging them to embark on their own business.

He believes that education is a key to opportunity, therefore volunteered as a school governor for 13 years promoting cohesion and equality. To further promote cultural cohesion, he raises funds for national charities supporting education, integration and interfaith peace – raising funds for The British Red Cross, GOSH, Age UK, British Heart Foundation and very many more.

Mansoor is seen every year behind the table of the Poppy Appeal or shaking his collection tin in the street. He is involved in the organising but is also part of the team ‘doing’, whether that is running in the ‘Fun Run’, litter picking, or actively helping the underprivileged in his neighbourhood. He is a keen advocate of breaking down cultural barriers, whilst respecting all cultures, and enjoys nothing more than seeing someone benefit from any of his community works.

Jonny McQuarrie, Managing Director from BCA partner One Stop said: “Each time a new group of medalists are selected it reminds us of how great the people of this nation are. We serve many communities up and down the country through the One Stop convenience stores, and these particular individuals being recognised now, especially at this time of extraordinary circumstance, reflects all that is good about community spirit. It’s a privilege to play a small part in helping them to be recognised. Our congratulations go to all 27 honourees”.

Wendy Pretten, Managing Director Customer Delivery at Sponsors Places for People, who would normally have presented Mansoor with his medal, said: ““The British Citizen Awards honour those who shine brightly and work tirelessly in their local communities to improve the lives of others, and it’s a privilege to have been a supporter since its formation in 2015.

“As 2021 progresses, we still find ourselves faced with many challenges, yet the ongoing dedication and compassion shown by medalists this year has been incredible. Once again, it’s undeniably disappointing we cannot celebrate together in person, but hearing about Mansoor and the utmost dedication he offers to his community is astounding.

“From the many charities he supports, his role as school governor, organiser of numerous community activities, to the free services he offers to local businesses – all initiated since his arrival in the UK 14 years ago – is truly astounding. Mansoor is a champion of his community and is very much deserved of this award.”

Messages of support were sent via video from TV personalities Michael Underwood, Matt Allwright, Tim Vincent, pop superstar Kimberly Wyatt of the Pussycat Dolls, and popular comedian, actor and Patron of the BCA Bradley Walsh. Another Patron, Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers sent a heartfelt message together with representatives from Experian and Objective HR who have all continued to support the BCA throughout the pandemic.

The British Citizen Award was established in 2015, to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly making a positive impact on society. The BCA recognises true pillars of the community, whose divergent endeavours deserve honouring, but might otherwise likely be overlooked.

Dubbed the People’s Honours, each Medal bears the words ‘For the Good of the Country’ and are presented to only a small number of exceptional individuals twice annually. The British Citizen Award is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday people for exceptional endeavor and are truly representative of today’s multicultural Britain.