Simon Danczuk recently attended an event to mark the success of Rochdale born barrister, Fiaz Afzal OBE. The Kashmir National Achievement Award ceremony took place at Wardleworth Community Centre on Sunday 20th July 2008 and Simon was there to congratulate Fiaz. Simon said: “Fiaz is an inspiration to us all, his achievement in being awarded an OBE shows how we can and should all strive to improve our communities and wider society.”

Fiaz Afzal was born in Kashmir but came to the UK when he was a very young child. He lived in Rochdale for many years, going to school at Heybrook Primary School and also attending Hopwood Hall College. From there he went on to study law and is now a barrister at Lincoln’s Inn, London. He has been very active within his community and done much to help disabled people. The achievement award ceremony was organised by the Kashmir Freedom Movement.