One of the region's most inspirational firefighters and fundraisers says he is "proud" to receive a British Citizen Award which he has dedicated to the brave families of those affected by the Manchester Arena attack.
Aaron Parmar, of Oldham White Watch, was a police officer when he was deployed to Manchester Arena on May 22, 2017.
A suicide bomber detonated a device while fans left an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people and injuring more than 800 while thousands more sought help and support.
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Aaron said he witnessed "first-hand" the "physical and emotional trauma caused in the weeks and months after" the attack.
It inspired him to join Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and embark on a series of fundraising missions to aid the victims and their families through charities such as the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund and the Manchester memorial fund.
Aaron is also the founder of the Manchester Remembers Foundation which stages an annual charity football match at Boundary Park where a hefty line-up of celebrities go head-to-head with footballing legends to raise money towards the cause.
In total, Aaron has helped raise more than £170,000 for victims of the Manchester Arena bomb.
In recognition of his incredible efforts, he was invited to Westminster to collect his British Citizen Award on Thursday, July 25.
The British Citizen Award recognises individuals for doing extraordinary things in their local community.
Reacting to his award and BCA status, Aaron told The Oldham Times: “I feel incredibly lucky and proud to have been given this honour at Westminster it was such a proud day for me and my family.
"I never started my fundraising journey for awards or recognition, but merely because having worked with the victims at that awful time I was motivated to show them just how deeply the people of Manchester cared for them.
"To have raised almost £200,000 for their charities proves that very point.
"I’d like to dedicate the honour to all the people who have supported me with my fundraising and putting the events together but most importantly to the brave families and survivors who have faced the worst and carried on.
"You continue to inspire me and I’ll continue to do what I can to support you."
Aaron also said in a post on social media that it was a "crazy day" with his family that left him feeling "blessed".
He added: "To anyone worried about school exam results, you don’t need GCSEs, A-Levels or degrees to make a difference in this world, just a good heart and a positive attitude.
"Remember that."
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) also said it was "incredibly proud of him and his work", adding: "Aaron's selflessness and generosity hasn't gone unnoticed by his colleagues.
"He got a Chief's Commendation at our recognition event last week for his charity work and dedication to his local community.
"Well deserved Aaron, we're proud to have you at Team GMFRS."
Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk
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