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Crowdfunding page set up for 'loving and caring' worker from KIMS Hospital in Maidstone who died from Covid-19

The daughter of a radiographer who died from Covid-19 says she is determined to fulfil her father's retirement wishes by raising money for a charity he was so passionate about.

Nassar Hussain, worked at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone for more than a year as a manager in the imaging department.

Nassar Hussain worked at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone
Nassar Hussain worked at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone

The 58-year-old was a married father-of-two. He lived in Ilford with his wife Attia, 52, and their two children Farah, 28, and Adam, 25.

Farah said her dad loved his job and was always there for his patients and the people he worked with.

Ms Hussain added: "He enjoyed being a manager because staff wellbeing was a priority for him.

"He was a brilliant doctor, so loving and caring, but it was his main priority to be a good dad and he really was the best.

"He was so proud of me, my brother and my mum. It's just such a shame he's never going to meet his grandchildren."

The Hussain family
The Hussain family

Ms Hussain said it was this passion for his job that meant her dad was always thinking of others.

"He really loved making people's experiences a bit more special.

"At previous hospitals, he would get all the management to dress up as elves for Christmas and serve dinner to staff.

"We even have one photo of him dressed up as Father Christmas giving out presents so staff morale was really important to him.

"He would also treat everyone the same. He would talk to a CEO of the hospital the same way he would speak to a cleaner - he didn't see any difference between people."

(Left to right) Farah Hussain, Nassar Hussain and Adam Hussain
(Left to right) Farah Hussain, Nassar Hussain and Adam Hussain

After a six week fight against coronavirus, Mr Hussain died in Queen's Hospital in Romford, last Wednesday.

Ms Hussain added: "We don't know where he caught Covid-19, it could have been anywhere.

"He was a real stickler for the rules. He didn't break lockdown at all but he felt it was important to continue in his role as a key worker.

"He didn't have any underlying medical conditions that put him in the vulnerable category either.

"Dad was in hospital for six weeks and one day so we had time to come to terms with the fact he was ill.

Mr Hussain with his son Adam
Mr Hussain with his son Adam

"We knew it was a possibility he might not come home but we still had hope.

"He kept fighting and we are really proud of him, we told him that when we were able to go and visit."

Mr Hussain was the first of his siblings to be born in the UK when his family moved to Canning Town from Pakistan.

He planned to dedicate his retirement to volunteering for the Edhi Foundation, a charity that works to improve welfare in Pakistan.

To honour his plans, Farah set up a crowdfunding page to support the charity he felt so strongly about.

Ms Hussain added: "Pakistan doesn't have any welfare safety nets at all and this charity wants to change that.

"It provides ambulances which they wouldn't have otherwise, it helps domestic violence refuges, orphanages, hospitals, and it pays for funerals for people who can't afford a burial.

"He felt that his life could have been so different if his parents had stayed in Pakistan and he was so grateful that they came here and had the life he had so he wanted to give back.

"I think he had visited Pakistan twice and he was devastated by the poverty and inequality there and so he was really passionate about doing something about it.

"That's why we have chosen this charity as we know it was something he wanted to get involved with. When we said goodbye to him we promised him that's what we would do in his honour."

Simon James, CEO at KIMS Hospital on Newnham Court Way said: "Nassar was a well-respected professional, much loved by his team and all those who were fortunate to work with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nassar’s family with whom we have been in close contact throughout Nassar’s illness.

"So that we can all show our respect and share the very many happy memories we have of Nassar, we have a book of condolence for staff and consultants to sign.”

For more information on how to donate, click here.

Click here to remember those we've lost to Covid-19.

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