A PILLAR of the Muslim community in Stretford has been honoured in parliament.

Shabir Abdul, a leader from Faizan e Islam mosque in Ayres Road, received a Public Health Excellence Award from his MP Kate Green at the Houses of Parliament last week.

Shabir received the award for using his experience working in the NHS to encourage and promote healthy living among the Muslim community in Old Trafford.

Since last year, Shabir has organised successful health open days and seminars at Faizan e Islam, with lifestyle and health checks and accessible advice from the NHS.

By basing his programme at the mosque and placing it within worship, education and understanding of Islam, he makes sure the events are easy to access and well attended by local Muslim families.

Shabir said, “I’d like to thank Kate for nominating me for a Public Health Excellence Award – it’s a real honour to receive such recognition.

“I was really pleased to set up regular health open days at Faizan e Islam. The mosque is an ideal setting to encourage people to take part and a great way to pass on more information about healthy lifestyles in a relaxed and trusted community space.

“Of course, I couldn’t have done this without the support of the many volunteers at the mosque who give up their time to help others. The award is also testament to their work and shows what a community can do when we come together to promote healthy living.”

When receiving his award, Shabir also received recognition from the Minister for Public Health, Jane Ellison MP.

Launched in 2014, the Public Health Excellence Awards are designed to celebrate the achievements of people like Shabir who are tackling health challenges in their communities.

Ms Green said, “I was delighted to see Shabir receive a Public Health Excellence Award.

“My ethnic minority constituents suffer some of the poorest health outcomes in Trafford, and the work Shabir is doing to prevent poor health and get information to the community about healthy lives is making a big difference to local families.

“I’d like to thank Shabir for all his hard work and I hope that the community in Old Trafford can continue to benefit from more of the health open days in the future.”