A man who helped feed 1,900 vulnerable people in Redbridge during the Covid crisis and got thousands more fit and active after lockdown has received a British Empire Medal in the King’s first Birthday Honours.

Bali Bhalla has dedicated a lifetime to voluntary work, like setting up his charity for fitness among high-risk groups, over the past 40 years.

“I am honoured to receive this recognition,” he says. “I hope it encourages others to do more charitable service.”

He fed 1,900 vulnerable people during the pandemic. His commitment helping the Redbridge community includes 9,000 voluntary hours giving free alternative health and healing services to 3,000 people.

His latest project is a memorial in Ilford’s South Park to the late Queen Elizabeth II, with the backing of Redbridge Council. The Bhalla Foundation is laying out a Commonwealth “peace walk” in the park. 

Redbridge Cllr Tanweer Khan said: “This self-funding project will create a place of education, peace and tranquillity.” 

Bali is also one of the founders of the Super Cool Friends charity which got hundreds of vulnerable people to take up walking to get active, who clocked up 72 million steps and raised more than £4,500 in the process.