Community champion recognised at special ceremony

A selfless man who has dedicated more than 30 years to supporting charities and voluntary services in Oldham was recognised for his outstanding contribution at a special gathering last night.

Muzahid Khan MBE DL attended the ceremony at Dukinfield Town Hall, organised by the Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Shibley Alam and her Consort, Mohammed Khairul Alam.

The father-of-two was presented with a framed certificate for services to charity and the community of Oldham.

Mr Khan’s work for charity and in the community has included services to Oldham Social Enterprise Upturn, Maggie’s Cancer centre, amongst a long list of organisations he supports, and being a Deputy Lieutenant for Greater Manchester. 

Since moving to the town from a Bangladeshi village in the 1970’s, Mr Khan has become a sought after coach and mentor to individuals and businesses across the North West, a charity champion, and a notable figure within the community of Oldham. He also published a book entitled ‘Gift of Giving’ a personal memoir back in 2021.

The 55-year-old was recently recognised in the Kings Birthday Honours list along with three other local people including Oldham Athletic Chairman Frank Rothwell, who was honoured with an Order of the British Empire (OBE), Harry Catherall, Tameside’s Council Chief Executive and the former interim CEO of Oldham Council was also awarded an MBE and the only woman from Oldham to be named on the list was Susan Crook, who has been awarded a British Empire Medal.

Upon receiving the news of the MBE, Mr Khan said he, at first, did not believe it: “When I got the letter, I wasn’t certain that it was real, but I replied to it and when I received a reply, I couldn’t believe it. I thought ‘Oh Gosh’ but it was an amazing feeling. My family are absolutely ecstatic.”

About last night’s event, he said: “Councillor Shibley wanted to bring together the people who have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours’ list and it was humbling to be amongst some amazing people.

“It was a lovely evening reflecting on the backgrounds and the work people have done and it makes you think ‘you have a long way to go yet’. I feel I still need to do more.”