A Life of Service, Resilience, and Dedication
Khoyrul Shaheed’s life story is one of perseverance, compassion, and a deep commitment to serving others. Born in the late 1950s, Khoyrul’s journey began with his father’s arrival in the United Kingdom under the “Boy Voucher” scheme, a program designed to bring young workers to the UK. At just 14 years old, his father worked tirelessly alongside his own father to support their family. This early example of resilience and hard work shaped the values that would guide Khoyrul throughout his life.
In 1986, Mr. Khoyrul followed in his father’s footsteps, emigrating to the UK with his five siblings. The transition was difficult: the family lived in a one-bedroom house, with limited English and no community support. Despite these hardships, Khoyrul took on multiple jobs, from a paper round to factory work and eventually a position in a restaurant. These early struggles deepened his sense of responsibility and made him determined to give back to both his family and his community.
As a young person navigating a new culture, Khoyrul experienced firsthand the challenges of settling in a foreign country with a language barrier. He became an ambassador at school, helping other new students adjust to their environment. This role ignited a lifelong passion for community service, and he realized that his calling lay in helping those in need—both locally and globally.
After completing his GCSEs, Khoyrul pursued a BTEC course at college while staying involved in various community initiatives. His passion for humanitarian work continued to grow, and for the past 15 years, he has dedicated himself to serving those less fortunate. His commitment has been recognized locally, where he has served as a governor in his borough for the past decade.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Khoyrul founded a food hub that operated for two years, providing food and prescriptions to those who were isolated or struggling. This initiative brought him recognition, including a heartfelt acknowledgment from the late Queen for his contributions to the community.
Mr. Khoyrul’s humanitarian efforts have taken him across the globe. In 2013, he traveled to the Syrian border in Jordan to witness the devastating Syrian crisis firsthand. He was among the first to respond to the Rohingya refugee crisis, raising over £1 million to fund the construction of 4,000 shelters and provide solar panels for displaced families. His work in the Rohingya camps includes multiple deployments, where he helped build schools, orphanages, and cataract clinics in underserved areas.
Mr. Khoyrul has also led medical student groups to Jordan, raising over £35,000 to support Syrian refugees. His humanitarian efforts have brought him to Greece during the height of the Syrian refugee crisis, where he rescued a child from a dinghy. In Iraq, he supported educational programs for women, empowering them in the aftermath of political turmoil. In Africa, Khoyrul has built schools, community centers, clinics, and playgrounds, all while continuing to raise awareness and funds for the Global South.
Fundraising has been a constant aspect of his work. Khoyrul has completed challenging feats, including the Great Wall of China trek, climbing Mount Atlas, and conquering the UK’s Three Peaks, all to raise funds for communities in need.
Today, Mr. Khoyrul’s mission remains focused on leaving a lasting legacy. His work continues to empower individuals and communities, giving them the tools to become advocates for their own causes. Through service, resilience, and dedication, Khoyrul Shaheed has created an enduring impact on the world, proving that one person’s commitment can change lives across the globe.