A TEACHER who has dedicated the last 35 years to taking on voluntary roles and raising money has been put forward for his 'selfless devotion'.
Harshad Kumar Patel, of Locksley Gardens, Birdwell, is a science teacher of 35 years and former director of Barnsley Black and Ethnic Minorities Initiative.
He has been nominated in the exceptional achievement category by his colleague Mirban Hussain, who said: "Harshad is not just a volunteer, but an essential asset, a leader and worker for the social cohesion of Barnsley’s black and ethnic minority communities.
"He has taken on voluntary roles with pride and selfless devotion."
Harshad started fundraising at the age of 13 in 1967 and has given up his valuable time over the years helping people fill in application forms, writing references, signing legal documents, representing parents at meetings and acting as mediator.
Mirban added: "He is one of those people that make you proud to be part of Barnsley. He is without doubt an exceptional person, who is constantly striving to reach the generic population of Barnsley.
"He continues to educate our local children and to teach them about fairness, respect and above all about how to be a good citizen."
