A new dad from Oldham who was diagnosed with skin cancer has lost his battle with the disease.
Shujad Ahmed, 30, who was father to six-month-old Kaia Imaan Miah and the son of Angur Miah, died yesterday (Thursday) according to an announcement on social media by the Oldham Central Masjid and Islamic Centre.
A GoFundMe page set up by Shujad’s family to raise money to allow for the 30-year-old to be treated privately and get the best chance of survival has raised close to £50,000.
The fundraising target was recently increased from £50,000 to £75,000 after Shujad’s medical expenses rose due to his treatment plan being changed to a “more advanced and comprehensive approach” necessary for his recovery.
To help the family reach their goal, Oldham's 'Running Man' Afruz Miah, who mentored Shujad at Grange School now known as Oldham Academy North, launched a Givebrite fundraising page and enrolled on the Great Manchester Run this Sunday.
Following the news of Shujad's death, Afruz has now set up a Sadaqah Jariyah fundraising page and is helping to plan Sadaqah Jariyah projects on behalf of Shujad. Sadaqah Jariyah is a term used in Islam to describe a continuing act of charity.
The money raised by the page and through his sponsored Great Manchester Run will go towards the projects.
It is believed the funds raised by the GoFundMe page will now go towards charitable organisations and community projects in memory of Shujad.
Paying tribute to Shujad, Afruz said: “I’ve known Shujad from a very young age and throughout his school life.
“He will be sadly missed by the community. It’s a big loss. His death is a reminder that life is too short and that we need to stick together and help each other.”
Afruz said the community has rallied to support Shujad’s family following his death.
At a gathering at the family’s home yesterday, Afruz spoke to several of Shujad’s friends from school.
“They are shocked. They grew up together, played together, and worked together and now a big hole has been left in their lives,” he said.
The news of Shujad’s death has been met with an outpouring of grief on social media with those who knew Shujad sending their condolences to his family.
Today (Friday) a Janaza prayer is being performed for Shujad at Oldham Central Masjid on Featherstall Road North immediately after Jumm’ah at 1.45pm.
To donate to the Sadaqah Jariyah fundraising page set up for Shujad go to https://campaigns.givebrite.com/support-shujad
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