THE efforts of a Teesdale curryhouse to feed key workers in Barnard Castle have been hailed by the area’s MP.
Zak Ahmed, Shuhel Ahmed and the team at Babul’s have been named Unsung Heroes by Bishop Auckland MP Dehenna Davison after delivering thousands of free takeaways for key workers and the vulnerable.
Ms Davison presented brothers Zak and Shuhel Ahmed with the award at their Barnard Castle restaurant, along with a pizza box of sweets and a voucher from Joey’s Waffle House at Tindale Crescent. The Our Unsung Heroes scheme was created by Ms Davison to recognise local heroes during the coronavirus outbreak.
Many residents put the business forward for the prize. One person said: “It’s a no-brainer nominating Zak.
“He has fed care workers, NHS staff, refuse collectors, shop staff and volunteers for free. He is amazing.”
Another wrote: “I have been following the amazing online campaign these guys have been leading in the local Teesdale community.
“Despite suffering the hardships like most other businesses have experienced in the hospitality sector, they have gone above and beyond to help the most needy and vulnerable in the community.”
The Babul’s team has helped to provide more than 3,000 meals to key workers, NHS staff and families in Teesdale. Eelderly in isolation have also enjoyed free meals.
Ms Davison said: “Zak and Shuhel have been incredible helping those in need during this crisis.
“Along with his team at Babul’s, they have helped families by providing meal vouchers for school pupils, hot meals to the elderly and isolated, and the list goes on.”
“I was grateful to have been invited by Zak to help hand out free meals to staff at Bishop Auckland Hospital a few weeks ago.
“I experienced first hand the selfless work the team are doing and I was delighted to deliver this award as a token of our community’s gratitude to Zak, Shuhel, and everyone at Babul’s.”
Visit www.dehennadavison.com/our-unsung-heroes to make a nomination.
