Birmingham community and volunteering heroes celebrated

In a heartfelt celebration of community and volunteering, 50 dedicated local heroes from Birmingham were honoured at a special celebration event recently.

The ‘Big Thank You Bash’ event, which took place at the University of Birmingham, was part of the 50forWM50 campaign launched by The West Midlands Lieutenancy, supported by United by 2022, to mark 50 years since the creation of the county.

The 50forWM50 campaign recognises, celebrates and thanks dedicated volunteers who have made significant contribution to their local communities. 

A total of 350 volunteers from across the seven local authorities in the West Midlands, including Birmingham, were recognised at the event.

Among the 50 volunteers recognised from Birmingham were Debbie Roscoe, founder of Arrive Alive; Neelam Heera-Shergill, active volunteer in the local community; and 95-year-old Pat Fleetwood Walker, who volunteers at Prevention First Citizens Panel.

The celebration saw over 650 people in attendance including volunteers and representatives from the seven local authorities across the region, Sir John Crabtree OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands and Birmingham-born historian, Professor Carl Chinn MBE.

During the event, 20-year-old Amman Ahmed from Dudley was also revealed as the volunteer selected to have a tram on the West Midlands Metro named in his honour. As a special thank you on behalf of the West Midlands region, this lasting tribute recognises Amman’s commitment to volunteering and the positive impact he has made on his local community.

Reflecting on the recognition, one of the honoured volunteers from Birmingham, Neelam Heera-Shergill, said: "Being acknowledged for my work across Birmingham and beyond is incredibly humbling. Volunteering is its own reward, but this celebration event has been a wonderful reminder of how much we can achieve across our local communities when we work together.”

Sir John Crabtree CVO OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, commented: “The ongoing dedication and commitment of volunteers across the West Midlands exemplifies the spirit of unity that defines our region.

“The 50forWM50 campaign has highlighted the extraordinary contributions of volunteers across our county, and it’s been fantastic to celebrate each and every one of these unsung champions through our campaign and special celebration event.”

Nicola Turner, CEO of United by 2022, added: “Every day, volunteers change lives. I think the West Midlands has the best volunteers and you make me so proud to be from this place. Here in Birmingham, what volunteers are doing is incredible and I want to thank you every single one of you from the bottom of my heart.”

To find out more about the 50forWM50 campaign, visit the website.