A HEARTBROKEN family have paid tribute to a popular 52-year-old man who lost his life after catching coronavirus.

Sarfraz Quayyum, from Great Sankey, died in Warrington Hospital last Monday, June 29.

Born and bred in Warrington, he was the lead project manager in the development of the town centre mosque, on Arpley Street.

The Quayyum family were one of the first families to move to Warrington from the Indian subcontinent.

In a heartfelt statement, Sarfraz’s family paid tribute to the ‘very popular’ figure.

They said: “Gone have you from this mean cruel world, way too soon have you left your home.

“You going my dear brother has left us broken. The Quayyum family is devastated and is shaken.

“Helping others was your aim and you were never afraid to say how it is.

Warrington Guardian:

Sarfraz Quayyum

“You were such a treasure and one that will be truly missed, but to know you was a pleasure.

“Gone forever, now in heaven, flown away to your accession. Who will replace the love that is lost?

“Spreading your humour in each occasion we had, sat on the floor and totally outspoken, making silly jokes the heart of attention.

“The memories we all have will always be, but you my brother we no longer can see.

“You have left behind a beautiful shadow, one that we will continue to follow.

“The traits that you owned Allah truly has loved, this is why he called you above.

“Stay strong and united us brothers you pled, dying as a martyr has now sealed what you said. Together you will all be in Jannah, oh what a bliss.”

Sarfraz’s brother Afthkar said it will be a huge loss to the family.

“He was really the heartbeat of the family,” he said.

“He wasn’t the oldest but he certainly assumed that leadership role, he was a family man and kept us all together – not just immediate family but also the extended family.

“That was probably a trait he took from my late father, who was also very much like that.”

Afthkar also urged people to take safety measures to reduce the risks posed by Covid-19.

He added: “Believe you me, from someone who has lost a dear brother, coronavirus is real and we have to take precautions.

“We must continue to take precautions, stay safe and stay alert.”