I was born in Barolia, Gujarat, and moved to Blackburn, Lancashire at the age of 7. From a young age, I developed a deep interest in the history and culture of the Indian subcontinent. My travels to India exposed me to the stark realities of poverty, lack of education, and poor access to healthcare among underprivileged communities.
Rosina Shepherd has served Blackburn with Darwen Council (BwD) for over 20 years, earning widespread respect as both a trusted colleague and a passionate community volunteer. As an officer of the Unite Union, she plays a key role in championing employee welfare, providing practical support, and helping to resolve workplace issues across the council.
Imtiaz Patel Varediawala (alias Tankarvi) is a distinguished British-Indian author, poet, researcher, journalist, and social entrepreneur. With an extensive career spanning literature, heritage, education, health, and community development, he is widely regarded as a visionary voice in South Asian cultural preservation and empowerment.
Jeanette has dedicated her career to working in inner-city schools across Bradford and Batley, West Yorkshire. She has taught Science and Chemistry, STEM subjects, and BTEC Horticulture, and was instrumental in establishing the Forest School at Upper Batley High School. Alongside her teaching, she championed literacy by helping to design and launch a whole-school reading programme as part of Ofsted’s requirements.
Name: Salim Yusuf Lorgat
Address: Blackburn, Lancashire, UK
Birthplace: Barolia, Gujarat
Nationality: British
Languages Known: English, Gujarati, Urdu, Hindi
Email: info@mediaid.org.uk
Phone: +447860786619
Personal Background
I was born in Barolia, Gujarat, and moved to Blackburn, Lancashire at the age of 7. From a young age, I developed a deep interest in the history and culture of the Indian subcontinent. My travels to India exposed me to the stark realities of poverty, lack of education, and poor access to healthcare among underprivileged communities.
My passion for humanitarian service led me to actively participate in disaster relief efforts, including:
Gujarat Earthquake (Kutch): Collected donations for orphan housing and community rehabilitation.
2004 Tsunami (Indonesia): While on holiday during the disaster, I initiated a fundraising campaign in Blackburn that successfully raised £50,000 with the support of the local community.
I am a founding member of the Lions Club in Blackburn and have continuously supported charitable causes both locally and internationally. I am currently a trustee of Mediaid Foundation UK, a registered charity committed to improving healthcare access in Barolia, Gujarat.
I have served as a local councillor in Blackburn, where I was honoured to hold an Executive Portfolio for Housing and Neighbourhoods for three years — one of the proudest achievements of my public service career.
During my time as councillor, I actively promoted community cohesion and worked to unite different sections of the local population. I inherited ongoing challenges involving housing and HMR (Housing Market Renewal) funding, particularly in the Darwen area. Through ethical removals and responsible planning, I successfully oversaw the transformation of old housing stock and delivered positive outcomes for residents.
I was also instrumental in developing new policies for elderly care and young people’s housing, ensuring long-term support for vulnerable groups in the community.
Fmr Councillor, Blackburn with Darwen, UK
Founder & Trustee, Mediaid Foundation (Health & Education Empowerment Programme – UK & India)
Founder Member, UK Peace Mission – UK
Director, West Brookhouse Community Resource Centre – UK
Founder & Past President, Regant Lions Club of Blackburn – UK
Fmr Founder Trustee, New Life of Lhoknga, Banda Aceh, Indonesia – UK
Member, Unite Union
Imtiaz Patel, Dip, MSc.
Author | Researcher | Public Health Educator | Community Leader
Imtiaz Patel Varediawala (alias Tankarvi) is a distinguished British-Indian author, poet, researcher, journalist, and social entrepreneur. With an extensive career spanning literature, heritage, education, health, and community development, he is widely regarded as a visionary voice in South Asian cultural preservation and empowerment.
• Published Author & Cultural Historian
Authored and edited over six seminal works on South Asian history and heritage, contributing to global understanding and appreciation of cultural narratives.
• Academic & Professional Background
Holds degrees from Manchester Metropolitan University and Lancaster University. Served over a decade at Blackburn Museum as South Asian Arts Development Officer and nearly 25 years at Lancashire Care Foundation NHS Trust as a Public Health & Education Officer.
• Public Service & Leadership
Former Councillor at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Parliamentary Candidate, committed to civic engagement and democratic participation.
• Founder & Advisor to Multiple NGOs
Actively leads and supports organisations such as VWUK, GWG UK, IUCL UK, MAF UK, and EFE UK/India – empowering communities through education, heritage, and innovative development.
• Inspirational Speaker & Change-Maker
Recipient of several Lifetime Achievement Awards, Imtiaz is celebrated for his motivational leadership, creativity, and transformative public engagement.
Motto: Empowerment through Education, Art, Literature, and Culturally Innovative & Creative Ideas.
Rosina Shepherd – Advocate for Staff Welfare, Community Wellbeing & Cancer Care
Rosina Shepherd has served Blackburn with Darwen Council (BwD) for over 20 years, earning widespread respect as both a trusted colleague and a passionate community volunteer. As an officer of the Unite Union, she plays a key role in championing employee welfare, providing practical support, and helping to resolve workplace issues across the council—Blackburn’s largest employer, with over 2,000 staff.
Rosina is known for her empathy, leadership, and hands-on approach. She supports her colleagues not just in their professional roles, but in their everyday challenges—making her a vital part of the council’s internal community.
Outside of work, Rosina is actively involved in voluntary work, with a focus on:
• Housing support for vulnerable residents
• Street and neighbourhood cleaning efforts
• Helping locals access health and council services
She uses her deep knowledge of town management to support people in navigating systems and solving real-life problems—always with care and commitment.
Rosina’s passion for healthcare and cancer support is deeply personal. After tragically losing her beloved husband to cancer, she became an outspoken advocate for improving cancer care, awareness, and patient support in the community. This experience has shaped her mission to give back—both through her professional efforts and voluntary work.
Her drive to help others facing illness reflects her own journey of love, loss, and resilience. Whether supporting a colleague, comforting a patient, or helping clean a street in need, Rosina brings compassion and strength to everything she does.
She is more than a council officer—she is a pillar of care, a voice for the community, and a powerful advocate for those in need.
Name: Jeanette Elizabeth Dent
Role: Trustee – Mediaid Foundation UK
Qualifications
• A Levels in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics
• BSc (Hons) Environmental Analysis
• PGCE Secondary Science
• Certification in Forensic Science
• Level 3 Accredited Forest School Trainer
• Former AIMHigher Leader in Education
Professional Background
Jeanette has dedicated her career to working in inner-city schools across Bradford and Batley, West Yorkshire. She has taught Science and Chemistry, STEM subjects, and BTEC Horticulture, and was instrumental in establishing the Forest School at Upper Batley High School. Alongside her teaching, she championed literacy by helping to design and launch a whole-school reading programme as part of Ofsted’s requirements.
• Organised and led teams to the International Space Olympics in Korolev, Russia, for seven years
• Supported and led educational visits to the Manav Kalyan Trust schools in Navsari, India
• Ran a rocket team for 15 years, taking part annually in the UKRoC competition
• Led model flying and forensic clubs, inventors’ workshops, film club, and beekeeping groups
• Passionate advocate for hands-on learning, always encouraging learners to take part in new challenges
Mediaid Foundation: Empowering lives through compassion and generosity for thriving communities.
© 2024 Mediaid Foundation. Designed & Developed By Wixdek
Mediaid Foundation: Empowering lives through compassion and generosity for thriving communities.
© 2024 Mediaid Foundation. Designed & Developed By WIXDEK
