'Bradford was where success was for my family'

West Yorkshire History: Fatima Patel MBE reflects on her family's journey from Gujarat, India, to Bradford, UK

On her appointment as the UK's first female Muslim High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, Fatima Patel MBE spoke about her family and the journey that brought her to the UK.

She told the Telegraph & Argus newspaper: "My father came here from Gujarat, India, in the 1960s. He came with very little, no English, no money and no job - just the shirt on his back and a suitcase.

Upon his arrival, he settled in Bradford and worked for a wool company for 40 years, slowly building a new life for his family.

Fatima remembers: "He used to walk miles to work, come back and cook for us, and then go back again for the night shift. He was very determined to improve the lives of his family." And it wasn't only her father who was working hard

Fatima's mother also played a vital role in the family's success. She recalls: "My mother worked really hard to support my father. She worked in a factory making clothes for 20 years, and she also raised five children."

Fatima now lives in Ilkley and is married with three sons. She is a passionate advocate for social justice and has worked extensively with young people, encouraging them to achieve their full potential.

Fatima's story is one of hope and inspiration. It is a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

She says: "Bradford was where success was for my family. It's where we made our home and built our lives. I'm proud to be from Bradford and I'm passionate about giving back to my community."