A DUDLEY businessman and philanthropist is celebrating as the foundation he set up in memory of his much-loved grandfather has been officially registered as a UK charity.

Shaz Saleem has received registration from the Charity Commission of The Saleem Foundation, which he founded to continue the good works of his grandfather, Mohammed Saleem.

Shaz's grandfather Mohammed was a charity campaigner who helped disadvantaged children in both the UK and Pakistan by encouraging education and teaching languages.

Shaz, who is also ambassador to the Mayor Of Dudley and chairman of the Dudley Private Hire and Taxi Association, described him as 'a man who was willing to go to great lengths to help others' and how proud he is to walk in his grandfather's footsteps.

Shaz said: "He was a remarkable man and he inspired me to go and do what I can do to help others. This is personally so important to me, my grandad did some amazing work and now we have an opportunity to continue his legacy. I'm truly honoured to have some amazing people on the team who share the same passion and drive to help others."

Shaz has teamed up with community leaders from across the Dudley borough to create the Foundation, including Cllr Steve Waltho MBE who sits as chair, along with Jayne Waltho, founder of SODA Sam Billingham, head of Lesley's Care Packages Vi Wood, Miss Black Country Alexandra Darby and Ambassador to the Mayor of Dudley Sue Randle.

The foundation aims to help those in need who face hardship due to youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or any other disadvantage and is looking to raise money to award grants to organisations across the borough.

Shaz also says the foundations aims to raise awareness of issues, as well as raising money, by encouraging people to talk about homelessness and domestic abuse.

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Shaz is no stranger to fundraising for good causes as last month he raised £1,000 for the British Liver Trust in a 160ft bungee jump.

Cllr Steve Waltho MBE, chairman of the Foundation, added: "It is a privilege to be part of The Saleem Foundation which has the potential to help so many people who are disadvantaged in life."