Help a grieving family cover unexpected costs

My name is Halima and I’m fundraising for Bilkisu and Quasim who have just lost a beloved mother and mother-in-law.

On 27th of July, 2023, Quasim’s beloved mother, Sister Hafsat, embarked on her first-ever journey to Cambridge from her African hometown. At 56 years old, she was in good health, visiting her son's family to meet her 6 month old grandson for the first time. She hadn’t seen the family for over two years and she was excited to embark on her first ever flight, and to experience her first time in the UK.

However, what should have been a joyous occasion quickly turned tragic. On the 28th of July, 2023 (a day after she arrived in Cambridge), Sister Hafsat unexpectedly suffered a heart attack in their Cherry Hinton home. Bilkisu, her daughter-in-law and a midwife at Addenbrookes Hospital, administered CPR while awaiting an ambulance. She was rushed to the Addenbrookes hospital for emergency care. She was then transferred to Royal Papworth hospital, where she remained for over two weeks, undergoing extensive tests before being discharged.

Sister Hafsat felt better; she even explored the city centre and visited local playgrounds with her grandchildren. She told Quasim and Bilkisu how grateful she was for the blessings bestowed upon her by Allah, who allowed her to experience the UK and have a good time with her family

Sadly, shortly after her hospital discharge, on the 8th of September, 2023, Sister Hafsat faced another cardiac arrest. This time, her heart had stopped and Quasim administered CPR while awaiting an ambulance- finally, they found a pulse. By the time they arrived at the hospital, she was placed on life support. The family was heartbroken to learn that her chances of recovery were slim as Hafsat had suffered hypoxia brain damage as well as kidney failure. Four days later, she was peacefully taken off life support, passing away at 00.25 am on 12th September 2023. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. May Allah have mercy on her soul.

Her Janazah was held in Cambridge Central Mosque at 1.45pm on Wednesday, 13th September. Sister Hafsat's sudden departure has left the family emotionally shattered, but the financial implications are equally daunting.

The Financial Implications

Because Sister Hafsat was visiting the UK, she was not entitled to free NHS treatment. Bilkisu and Quasim now face unexpected and substantial hospital bills related to her hospital stay. For instance, they've already received a £6000 bill from Addenbrookes hospital covering just four days of her initial hospital stay. There are even greater impending expenses from her admission at Royal Papworth hospital where she underwent extensive tests and an invasive procedure. Additionally, the family must bear the costs of her funeral which is £3800. They are engaged in conversations with Cambridge Central Mosque regarding financial assistance towards the funeral costs.

As a close friend of Bilkisu and Quasim, I've witnessed firsthand the emotional and financial toll this situation has taken on them. As a community, we have the opportunity to come together and support them during this challenging time. I've created this GoFundMe page to enable everyone, regardless of the contribution size, to help alleviate some of their burdens.

May Allah SWT reward your efforts, and please keep Sister Hafsat and the family in your du’a.