Mizbah Rafiq – Heart of Gold

Who has she helped?

“One such example is a mutual friend who has been friends with Mizbah for 20 years. It started off as a professional relationship and now she calls her a sister. Mizbah is supportive of her mother who has dementia and takes time out to visit them both and drive them to appointments.

There are several other women she knows who cannot drive. Mizbah offers lifts and takes them to their appointments or even concerts. She shares everything that comes her way, promoting other people’s businesses, helping strangers to find venues for their business and then becoming friends and showing them areas that could benefit.

Mizbah helped another friend to appointments, shopping and kept her company when she underwent surgery on her ankles. She stayed with her at home so that she could assist her with whatever she needed.

She has worked tirelessly in the community and now continues to be a wonderful inspiration to people dealing with a wide variety health conditions.

She is amazing at signposting for services in the community and supportive towards those in need of direction and guidance. She has a wealth of knowledge and shares it openly and has taken part in many community events, charities and is always giving.”

What’s worked?

“She has a great way of bonding with people with her humour and charming personality. I have met some people through her who are now my friends. She is a beautiful soul and everyone loves her for her wit.”

What has she learnt? Any challenges?

“Mizbah has long struggled with her own mental health but has been an inspiration for others. She is such a powerful woman who has been through difficulties in life but fought and fought and come out stronger each time.

She took time out to heal herself in many ways and shares her experiences so that others can learn from it and don’t feel alone. She always tries to bring a smile and make a difference to anyone who crosses her path, who needs a helping hand, be it emotional or practical.”

What’s next?

“Alongside helping friends and family, she has always played an active role in raising money for various charities. She has done a skydive, she has done the Midnight Walk, mud race- you name it she has almost done it and if she hasn’t, it’s most certainly on her bucket list.”

What advice, contacts or resources would help?

Mizbah says “I would like to be able to work on projects helping, supporting and inspiring other women where my own skills are being utilised and developed to reach my full potential.”

Why we’re sharing these stories

An individual or organisation from each of our five categories will be recognised at our Igniting Inspiration recognition event in November, but we want to publish all relevant stories to spread awareness of all the positive work that goes on in the North!