Tributes paid to Lord Adam at special civic ceremony

Dignitaries including former Home Secretary Jack Straw paid tribute to Lord Adam Patel at a special event to remember his life.

Lord Patel of Blackburn, affectionately known in the community as Lord Adam, died earlier this year at the age of 78.

Lord Patel was a prominent figure from the borough and was well known for his community integration work, his love of Blackburn Rovers, the town and Lancashire.

He always looked to assist as many people as he could from across different cultures and backgrounds. He was also renowned for his tireless voluntary work.

He was elevated to the House of Lords in 2000 and became Britain’s first Indian Muslim peer.

The event at King George’s Hall, which more than 200 people gathered at to celebrate his life, saw the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Jim Shorrock, the leader of the Council, Councillor Mohammed Khan and the The Rt. Hon. Jack Straw pay warm and glowing tributes to him as well as share personal stories of how he had touched their lives.

Civic events, such as this one, are held for Lords associated with the area. A similar event was held at the House of Lords last week.

Mr Straw, a close friend of his and his family, said he had made Blackburn a better place. He added his tireless community work brought people from all different walks of life together.

Councillor Khan said:

Lord Adam was passionate about his town and passionate about helping the community. People  would turn up at his house at all times in the day seeking advice and he never turned anyone away.

He was a great leader, a community champion, a dedicated family man  and also a successful businessman. I am very honoured and humbled to have known him and call him a friend.”

At the event, Lord Patel’s grandson Hafez Faisal Seth gave a reading from the Holy Quran.

Council Chief executive Denise Park, Councillor Khan and the Mayor formally presented a commemorative plaque to Lord Patel’s family in recognition of his service to communities.

Ilyas, one of the sons of Lord Patel, thanked everyone for coming and said it showed how well loved his father was.

Maulana Fazlur Rahman helped close the event by saying prayers.