A Burton fund-raiser has been named as one of the top 100 Muslims in the world alongside stars such as Olympian Mo Farah, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Bake Off star Nadiya Hussain.
Sajid Rashid, 28, who lives in South Broadway Street, has been included on the Muslim 100 Power List, which celebrates achievements from Muslim communities. He has been recognised because of the tireless fund-raising and work he does in the local community.
The aerospace engineer has raised more than £50,000 over the years for good causes, including to support those affected by Typhoon Haiyan in South East Asia. He has also raised money for the Amir Khan Foundation which provides water wells in rural areas in southern Asia.
Earlier this month he took on the world's longest zip-line to raise money for children who cannot access education in war-torn Syria. On May 9, he zip-lined through the mountainous region of Ras Al Khaimah on the 1.7-mile long Jebel Jais zip-line in the United Arab Emirates and raised more than £20,000.
Mr Rashid, who was given a BEM by the Queen in 2016, made it onto the list and was also presented with The Future Leaders Award after receiving thousands of nominations. He received his award at a star-studded gala dinner held at the Hilton Park Lane in Mayfair, London, on Monday, May 7.
The Muslim 100 Power List is compiled by Power 100, the research and analytical arm of the British Publishing Company. The list recognises achievement from within international Muslim communities and celebrates the contribution made my Muslim men and women at a local, national and international level.
This year's list also includes the new Home Secretary Sajid Javid, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, TV personality and former winner of the Great British Bake Off Nadiya Hussain, and Olympic champion Mo Farah.
Mr Rashid said: "In any society the presence of highly successful figures able to create and exercise a wealth of power and influence is a fundamental necessity.
"These individuals are leaders, able to steer opinion and action towards the most positive possible outcomes in economic, social and cultural contexts.
"They are people who, either through position or personality exercise a significant power that influences events and sets parameters in the conduct of their organisation, the climate of political debate and the shaping of new ideas. I am honoured to have been selected.
"The Power 100 recognises the most influential young trailblazers internationally; whose exceptional work makes an enormous and essential contribution to the wealth, health and intellectual well-being of their respective countries."
