There are Good Samaritans in every neighbourhood but often their deeds are overlooked amidst reports of antisocial behaviour and crime. Manchester & District Housing Association decided to change all this and have set up their own awards in Old Trafford to recognise the area’s Good Neighbours.
The awards, which took place on 29 May, were created to coincide with European Neighbours Day, when communities across Europe celebrated the kind, helpful and generous people living among them.
From numerous entries, illustrating the wealth of caring people in Old Trafford, Mr & Mrs Naqshbandi were named the overall winners after being nominated by their neighbour Bridie Farrell, who was touched by the level of the couple’s compassion and support when her partner passed away earlier this year.
Mrs Farrell said of Mr & Mrs Naqshbandi:
“They are the best neighbours anyone could have. When my partner took ill, Bilal was always on hand to look after me, and when he became very ill in January, I knocked at Bilal’s in the early hours and he came to my home and stayed with my partner until the ambulance came and he passed away.”
Mr & Mrs Naqshbandi received £250.00 and a certificate awarded by Manchester & District Director, Kate Forrester to mark their official Good Neighbour status at the Shrewsbury Street Centre, Old Trafford.