Khalil Dale, the York-born British Red Cross worker who was murdered in Pakistan last year, has been shortlisted for the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award.

The award recognises a group or individual who has saved, improved or enriched the lives of others, through personal self-sacrifice, selfless service or charitable work.

Khalil, 60, who lived in Dumfries, in Scotland, first began working for the Red Cross in Kenya in 1981, and dedicated 30 years of his life to helping others. He was born at the Purey Cust Nursing Home, close to York Minster, in 1951.

His father, William, was a group engineer who worked for the hospital management committee of Rawcliffe Lodge in Shipton Road, York, where the family lived. The family is understood to have moved to Manchester and then Scotland when Khalil was a child.

Mr Dale, who was originally called Kenneth but changed his name later in life to Khalil when he converted to Islam, was abducted at gunpoint while working with the International Committee of the Red Cross in Baluchistan province. His half-brother, Peter, lives at Bramham, near Wetherby.

Another brother, Ian Dale, said: “Khalil was loved and respected by many people and I feel this is a fitting tribute to a man who profoundly affected and touched the hearts of everyone he met. He will leave a deep and lasting legacy.”

David Peppiatt, head of international for British Red Cross, said: “While we mourn his loss, we also remember the way he touched our lives, and those of the many people he worked with and helped. This nomination is a fitting way to celebrate his remarkable life and the impact of his humanitarian work.”

The awards ceremony takes place on January 26 at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.