Ismaeel Tagari (22 March 2009 - 12 April 2011)

As you all know our beautiful son Ismaeel, and younger brother to Adam and Yusuf passed away on the 12th April 2011. Ismaeel was unexpectedly diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) six weeks prior to him passing away.

Ismaeel was born on Mother's Day in March 2009 and I remember telling Adam that he was the best Mother's day present I could have ever hoped for. From the first day when we brought him home Ismaeel dominated our house with his laughter and infectious personality. Yusuf would often say Ismaeel despite being the youngest of three brothers was definitely the ‘King of the house’.

Ismaeel's death has been a tragic loss to all who knew him and loved him. From that first day of discovering that Ismaeel had leukaemia, we held onto the belief that with the strong prognosis for children and the love and prayers of our family and friends we would make the long, difficult journey towards the cure that we desperately wanted. Throughout the six weeks prayers were held across several Mosques, Churches and Temples in Ismaeel's name; testament to the fact that people of different faiths can come together in adversity.

Even with the onset of chemotherapy, Ismaeel retained his beautiful personality. For a 22-month old, he was a fighter, our little lion and he gave us all strength in his bravery. Despite the countless oral medicines and blood tests, Ismaeel still insisted on being independent, choosing his own food and feeding himself. Pom-bear crisps, rice puddings and smoothies were consumed in enormous quantities. Of course when Ismaeel wasn’t eating toast, he took great delight in repeatedly watching his Gruffalo DVD. The story of the brave little mouse who managed to trick the scariest creature in the wood.

On the 12th April, Ismaeel was in Great Ormond Street hospital recovering from a chest infection. He had spent two wonderful days with his brothers entertaining him with light-sabers and Star Wars lego figures. He was about to be discharged when we lost him. God had other plans for our little Ismaeel.

Ismaeel was a special trust from God. He blessed us with Ismaeel and then took him away from us in return for a promise of holding his hand again in Heaven. Ismaeel is at peace now, playing in a beautiful garden with many other children and that vision brings us all immense comfort.

During his illness, Ismaeel received the loving care and attention of the Doctors and Nurses at both Great Ormond Street Hospital and Whipps Cross Hospital, something that we will always be thankful for.

Every year 500 children are diagnosed with leukaemia in the UK. Over 80% of children are cured after treatment and then go onto to lead normal lives. This is only made possible through the dedication of Doctors, Nurses, Researchers, Fundraisers and the generous donations of numerous supporting charities.

In memory of Ismaeel, we would like to donate to CHILDREN WITH LEUKAEMIA. For more than 22 years, this established charity has been helping children affected by leukaemia by funding research into causes and treatments and supporting families.

 

Please help us to support them by donating whatever you can as every contribution will be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks

Saajid & Afsana Tagari