TheBlindJournalist's Blog: TheBlindJournalist: Lancashire Lad Receives Honour From Queen Queen At 21

LANCASHIRE LAD RECEIVES HONOUR FROM QUEEN AT 21

Sufyaan Mustak Patel, 21 from Blackburn has been awarded the British Community Honours Award at the House of Lords. The award is one of the highest recognised awards in the Commonwealth communities. This is only one award from several. The Honour was received for Sufyaan’s outstanding contribution to the welfare and integration of the community.

Sufyaan’s passion and motivation for helping others took him to the House of Lords on 30^th September 2013 where he received the award. Sufyaan was put forward to the Prime Minister, David Cameron for the honour who then passed it onto the Honours Committee who investigated after which the Queen acknowledged Sufyaan’s work and granted the honour.

“Wow, what a hectic day it was. Rushing to get to the House of Lords to get my Honour. I had to get suited and booted, make sure my teeth were white and gleaming for the photos. It was a huge tribute. I never set out for these awards, I only wanted to do something of use with my time, helping others is my reward”

The BSc Dentistry Graduate who came out with a First now lives and works in Birmingham. Sufyaan has a long list of awards for voluntary work and services to the community. He has done over 500 hours of voluntary work and has been rewarded accordingly; attended garden party at Buckingham Palace, listed in Queens Birthday Honours List to name a few.

The brother of 6 who has always performed to a remarkable standard from a very early age is decorated with awards and honours which take decades for others achieve. “It all started from secondary school when I was ranked within the top 10 highest GCSE results in the UK and then did the same at Blackburn College with my A-Level results. I was never the type to go and play football when I was a teenager, I was always in the library reading and researching.”

Sufyaan who started his volunteering at the age of 16 through Blackburn with Darwen’s Volunteers programme went on to volunteer in several environments. He continued his volunteering until he started University.

“My first place of voluntary work was at Royal Blackburn Hospital where I used to befriend patients. I then went onto volunteer for the British Science Association where I had to help increase public understanding of the sciences. Then I went onto the Risk Taking Behaviour Project where I helped with vulnerable adults, after this I went onto the Youth Awareness Project and lastly the Youth Action Project.”

Sufyaan’s volunteering and community work has not only meant he has brushed shoulders with Royalty but also with highly acclaimed singers such as JLS who presented him with the National Young Person of the Year Award.

A Life in the Day of Sufyaan Mustak Patel

“Well, I have finished University now so I expected life to be a little laid back, but I couldn’t be more wrong. I am up at the crack of dawn at 6.30am; which ironically is earlier than when I was a student. After a quick shower, I offer my morning prayers and then it’s time to have breakfast and to watch the news. A few slices of toast, a bowl of cereal, a banana to try and meet my five a day and a cup of tea is my usual breakfast menu.”

“After breakfast I brush my teeth and take the ten minute walk to a local dental surgery where I am doing my vocational training. I work till 6pm with a one hour lunch break. I see 20-30 patients a day, with the most common procedure being fillings. For lunch I usually have a sandwich and a yogurt, I don’t like to consume food or drink which aren’t good for my teeth, I am a dentist, I need to lead by example”

“After work, I come back to my flat and have my tea and then head to the gym to let of some steam. After that I come back and socialise with my flatmates and then retire to my bedroom where I offer my prayers and then go to sleep, again earlier than I used to before I was a student. I understand now why they say enjoy your student life while it lasts”

An individual who has achieved so much at such a tender age, the mind only wonders what the future holds for Sufyaan’s shoulders.

“I am only 21, but I have an archive of honours that are great but I never let what I have done make me big headed, Many people carry burdens on their shoulders but I carry honours”

Fact File

· British Community Honours Award

· Medalist of the Order of the British Empire

· Princess Diana Award

· National Young Person of the Year Award

· Young Citizen of the Year in Lancashire

· Blackburn College Mayoral Role

· Top 10 GCSE and A-Level results Nationally

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