Lifetime achievement award for Mark

Mark White was among local heroes honoured at a celebration of achievement across the region's black and minority ethnic communities.

Mark, Head of Teesside University's Vice-Chancellor’s Office and Secretary to the Board of Governors, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2015 Tees Valley BME Awards in recognition of his contribution and support to numerous organisations and communities across Teesside.

A packed audience attended the awards held at Middlesbrough's Thistle Hotel to recognise the contributions of individuals, organisations and businesses.

This year's event - supported by Middlesbrough College and Tees Valley Unlimited - was a timely reminder of the wealth of achievement and talent across the area.

The ceremony, now in its seventh year, was hosted by Nazir Afzal, former Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North West of England, with speeches by leading local figures including Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald.

Mark said: 'I am truly honoured to receive this award and humbled to be recognised alongside all the other deserving winners.'

Commenting on Mark's award, BME Network Partnership Manager, Idrees Rashid said: 'The Lifetime Achievement Award has been accredited to an individual who epitomises incredible achievements to education and has made a lasting impact, fostered within local communities for a brighter future.'

Other winners at the Tees Valley BME Achievement Awards 2015 were:

• Youth Individual Award - Shabana Rafiq • Youth Organisation Award - Middlesbrough Council Stronger Families Youth Team • Community Individual Award - Laylah Ashour • Community Organisation Award - Investing In People And Culture • BME Business of the Year - Kashmir Food Store • BME Business Person of the Year - Riaz Hameed • Housing Sector Organisation of the Year - North East Procurement Ltd • Housing Sector Diversity Champion - Nadeem Ahmed • BME Woman of the Year - Shazia Ghani • Education Award - Sabrina Din, Teacher Time • Public Sector Award - Middlesbrough Mela Management Committee.

Mr Rashid added: ‘All our nominees and award winners make a real difference to the diverse communities which make up this vibrant area. It is an honour for us to be able to celebrate the individual and collective achievements of so many truly inspiring people. Their tireless dedication, commitment and hard work make a real difference, not just to Middlesbrough, but to the whole Tees Valley.’

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