Oldham charity hero Amin salutes the new King - in person!

Charity volunteer Amin Babor Chowdhury

An Oldham volunteer who has raised a princely sum for charities here and overseas has become one of the nation’s first subjects to be greeted by the new King.

His Royal Highness King Charles was wished a long life by Amin Babor Chowdhury, a Chadderton man who has pounded streets endlessly for good concerns, and acted as guide and friend to foreign visitors at major sporting events such as the Cricket World Cup and Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

And the response from the new monarch to Amin’s salutations? A warm smile!

“I was honoured to be invited a major gathering recognising the contribution South Asian people have made to business, community, culture and the armed forces in the United Kingdom,” revealed Amin.

“That meant mixing with 300 people who have changed and added to the life of this great nation.

"It also gave me the pleasure of visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and of course, the humbling honour of being one of the first people to meet His Majesty as he begins what we hope will be a long and successful reign.”

The October celebration followed King Charles III and his Consort Queen Camilla’s first-ever public engagement – the declaration of Dunfermline as a city.

Amin rubbed shoulders with people of British Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Nepalese, Bhutanese, and Maldivian heritage.

The King arrived at the ceremony in spectacular style – by helicopter.

Whilst all the guests had given something back to Britain, it is worth recalling that as Prince Charles, the now Sovereign founded the British Asian Trust in 2007 to help marginalised women in developing countries, prevent trafficking and even finance fledgling businesses in South Asia.

“When Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth passed, there was so much said about the charitable causes she assisted,” added Amin, “and this compassion has also been a factor in her son’s life, as witnessed by his creation of the Prince’s Trust, which has opened-up so many new opportunitties for young people.

"The Royal Family has recognised the notion of service to your community and philanthropy, and these ideals are also much loved by British Asians.

"There is a warmth between the Crown and its British South Asian community, and long may this continue!”

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.