Jawaid Malik, from Oxford, has supported people through the Oxfordshire Shared Lives scheme for more than 20 years.

Since 2005, Mr Malik and his wife Rahat have cared for people in their own home, including one who is now nearing 40 years old.

Their work has been described as ‘unwavering’ and guided by kindness and grace.

Mr Malik, a magistrate and long-serving community volunteer, said: “It is humbling and a real honour to be appointed High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve local residents.

“Supporting people and giving back to the community has always been at the heart of what my family and I do, and I’m proud to be able to continue that service in this role.”

The couple began their Shared Lives journey in 2004 after responding to a local newspaper advert seeking carers for a young person who needed a long-term home.

Their wider family has played an active part in their caring, including their daughter, Sana, who has also become a Shared Lives carer.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said: “Jawaid’s appointment as High Sheriff is richly deserved.

“His long-standing commitment to supporting people through Shared Lives, alongside his wider public service, perfectly reflects the values of compassion, community and leadership that this role represents.”

The High Sheriff is a ceremonial officer representing the King for matters of law and order within the county.

Although largely symbolic, the role supports the judiciary, police, and community organisations, and includes attending civic events and promoting voluntary and charitable work.

Each appointment lasts for one year, from April to April.

Rahat worked as a teaching assistant before retiring earlier this year.

She has said she hopes to continue helping others in new ways.

The people the family care for attend a local Community Support Service.

Staff have praised the couple for treating those they support ‘as if they are their own family’.

Oxfordshire County Council continues to encourage new carers to join the Shared Lives scheme.

The council said: “Jawaid’s appointment as High Sheriff recognises not only his formal public service, but also the quieter, long‑term commitment shown through opening his home and family life to others – reflecting the values at the heart of the Shared Lives scheme.”

The incident occurred in Mascord Road, Banbury, on Friday, April 10, just before 3pm.

Thames Valley Police have confirmed that a boy, whose age has not been released, was hit by a vehicle.

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A Thames Valley Air Ambulance was deployed to assist in the care of the boy, and take him to hospital.

Mascord Road was closed while emergency responders dealt with the incident, and was reopened several hours later, at about 5.30pm.

Thames Valley Police has been asked for an update on the situation and further information, and Thames Valley Air Ambulance has been approached for comment.

The fatal road traffic collision occurred on the A417 Reading Road in East Hendred, near Wantage, on Thursday, April 9 just before 7.20pm.

Police say they were contacted by South Central Ambulance Service to report the crash, which involved a silver Volkswagen Golf and a pedestrian.

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Sadly, the pedestrian, a man in his 70s, died at the scene of the crash.

Thames Valley Police said the man’s family has been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

No arrests have so far been made, but police are now appealing for any witnesses to the crash to come forward.

(Image: TVP)

Investigating officer detective sergeant Oliver Cahill‑Smith, from the serious collision investigation unit, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the loved ones of the man who tragically lost his life in this collision.

“We are investigating this collision as a priority and would urge anyone who witnessed the incident to get in touch.

“We would particularly like to speak to drivers who passed through the area between 7.10pm and 7.20pm, especially those travelling west towards Wantage, as they may be able to provide witness accounts or relevant dashcam footage of the driving conditions at the time.

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“Anyone who was in the area with a dashcam is asked to review their footage, as it could contain vital information relating to the collision or the moments leading up to it.”

Anyone with information or footage should contact police by calling 101 or submitting a report to the Thames Valley Police website, quoting reference number 43260172791.

Alternatively, make an anonymous report to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website.