KRIMMZ Founder Presented With Bolton Civic Medal by Mayor
Four volunteers have been awarded the Bolton Civic Medal. The medals recognise contributions to the community and were presented during a special reception at the Mayor’s Parlour. This year’s recipients are Khadija Patel, Stephen Tonge, Ryan Yates, and Jimmy Hark. Mayor of Bolton, Councillor David Chadwick, said: “Bolton’s volunteer and community sector is the envy of towns and cities across the UK. “Events like this are an important reminder of how lucky we are to have so many kind-hearted and generous residents who give their time to help others. “As Mayor, it was my great honour to formally present the Bolton Civic Medal to this cohort of worthy recipients.” Ms Patel was recognised for her work as founder of KRIMMZ Girls Youth Club, which provides a safe space for girls to build confidence, enjoy sports, and develop leadership skills. She also supports families during the cost-of-living crisis, offers bereavement support, and serves as a Female Muslim Chaplain at the Royal Bolton Hospital. Mr Tonge was honoured for more than 25 years of service to the Kearsley community. He supported the development of Stoneclough Community Centre and co-founded the Kearsley Youth Brass Band, which provides free instruments and tuition to children. Mr Yates, a former member of the armed forces, turned his experience with PTSD into a mission to support others. He founded Veterans Army CIC, which helps ex-service personnel and their families with mental health, addiction, homelessness, and employment. He has also delivered medical aid to Ukraine and volunteers with the Bolton Sea Cadets. Mr Hark was celebrated for his work as a personal trainer and leader of Nob End Run Club.
Founder of Krimmz Girls Club, inspiring ethnically-diverse women to cycle
Khadija runs Krimmz Girls Youth Club. She started cycling in 2009 for her own health and to manage stress, and discovered the joy and empowerment it brought. This passion led her to set up Krimmz Girls Youth Club, recognising a need for inclusive spaces where Muslim women could engage in physical activity comfortably. Since the club started, it has encouraged thousands of women from all backgrounds to get into sports. The cycling club at Krimmz Girls Youth Club focuses on breaking barriers – inspiring women from underrepresented, ethically diverse communities to enjoy cycling. Through group rides, community events, maintenance workshops and awareness campaigns, the club helps educate, celebrate and promote the benefits of cycling. The club empowers girls to discover their potential, embrace a healthy lifestyle, and build a strong community of like-minded individuals. Khadija Patel won the BBC Sport Unsung Hero award in 2023 for her tireless and inspiring commitment to getting the women in her communities active. “Krimmz club has inspired me to push myself to new limits and try something I never thought I could do.”