Zuffar is the prospective candidate for the Liberal Democrats in Harborough, Oadby and Wigston (Harborough constituency). He was born and raised in Leicestershire and currently lives with his wife and family in Oadby.
He was vice-chair of Leicestershire Crimestoppers and is particularly concerned about the causes of crime and the impact on victims.
Zuffar was "honoured and humbled" to receive a M.B.E. in the 2018/19 New Year's Honours for public and political service.
It's fair to say that my family has always loved Leicester and Leicestershire and happily made it our home - never considering moving elsewhere. As a family we were part of the community. My father was a security guard and was passionate about education and whilst money was never overly in abundance he worked hard to make sure we had what we needed to give us the best start in life. I remember him saving up over one month's salary so that he could buy us four children a computer to share because he saw that as being part of the future.
At the age of 12 I got a newspaper round and remember the pride I felt when I picked up my Β£1.20 a week wages! I wanted to help my family and contribute and was more able to do so when in 1987 I started up my own business wholesaling and retailing electrical goods. In 1989 the business had grown to a six figure turnover and we moved from our three bedroomed house to a five bedroomed semi-detached home.
Zuffar Haq receiving his MBE in March 2019
In 2003 I became a health campaigner and have since held various roles including being Chairman of the Leicester Patients Group as well as being a member of the Leicester Mercury Patients' Panel. I was also part of the group which fought to keep children's heart surgery at Glenfield Hospital and have led campaigns to reduce parking charges at Leicester's hospitals, eliminate the use of costly 0844 telephone numbers and
establish walk-in centres in both Leicester and Oadby.
In 2009 aged just 9 Β½ years old we lost our daughter. We are blessed with three boys who still keep us very busy particularly as my wife is a serving Liberal Democrat councillo.r We are a very strong family with good friends and a great network of support around us.
In March 2019, I was honoured to receive a M.B.E from Prince Charles. The award is also a tribute to my family, my mum and dad, my wife Samia and kids who have supported me and put up with me constantly going out to campaign and answering calls whilst on family outings and shopping trips.
My parents would have been extremely proud. I lost my mother 25 years ago and father 7 years ago. All credit goes to them for this achievement. I am not an award winner: my mother and father are. They made the sacrifices in their lives. They have enabled me and my generation to fulfill our ambition. I pay tribute to all mums and dads who have worked all the hours for their children to be educated and prosper.