On the 9th April 2020, our Dad, Harji Halai (fondly known as Harry) sadly passed away due to the Covid-19 virus.

We will always remember our dad for his kind heart, free spirit and his silly Dad jokes. All who knew or met him would agree that he was a jolly guy, somebody who made it his goal to bring smiles to those he met. 

He expressed his love by helping his friends and family, doing whatever he could to enrich their lives. Our dad's life fulfillment was achieved by ensuring his loved ones were happy, safe and secure. He was the person that people turned to when they had nowhere to go... and he never refused. We know he will be remembered for flipping bad situations into good ones, and that a problem shared with him, was a problem solved. His sense of responsibility to his loved ones was off the chart. His love and friendship for our mum was both beautiful and inspiring. To lose this incredible man, has broken our hearts.

Dad was classed as high risk due to his pre-existing medical conditions. Like most people, he followed the guidance from the government, staying at home and leaving the day to day errands to his kids. Nevertheless this evil and invisible enemy was still able to reach him and launch its violent attack on his body.  

What we saw him go through is a heartache we wouldn't want anyone to experience. 

Unable to see him at the hospital, and having to use video calls to see him gasp for air was heartbreaking. Furthermore, he tried hard to speak to us and give us his final messages through a tightly fitted oxygen mask. We would want him to know that even though he couldn't speak, we understood what he was trying to say.

Today we are stuck at home self isolating and are unable to plan or give him the traditional Hindu funeral that he deserves. We cannot even allow our loved ones to pay their respects physically, and this is extremely difficult to bear. 

We plead and pray to everyone... Please stay at home! Observe social distancing, protect your loved ones, protect yourself, protect our NHS and save lives. What happened to our dad could happen to anyone, cutting their life short well before their time too.

At this time, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind words, love, and heartfelt gestures. It really has helped our family during these difficult times.

To honour our dad and his vibrant giving personality, we would like to raise funds for a charity which he would have proudly supported.

NishkamSWAT is a charitable organisation based in the UK, which aims to unite and transform financially disadvantaged communities. Volunteers serve humanity by doing sewa, and trying to transform the lives of the homeless people they serve.

Coronavirus has affected almost everyone in some way or another but not least the homeless who often live of the kindness and generosity of the public. As we are in "lockdown" many areas where the homeless live do not see the usual footfall and therefore donations are scarce. 

NishkamSWAT are currently also supporting the NHS with meals and providing nearly 500 to 600 meals a day for vulnerable elderly people in isolation.

Help us help NishkamSwat to focus on projects which make a difference to people’s lives and improve their prospects especially in these horrendous times. All donations no matter how small are much appreciated. 🙏

Stay safe, stay indoors.

From the Halai family

http://www.nishkamswat.org

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.