The death of a two-year-old boy after breathing in damp and mould on a Rochdale housing estate has sent shockwaves through Greater Manchester - more than 18 months after it happened. Heartbreaking details of Awaab Ishak's death in December 2020 have only come to light this summer as they emerged in public at Rochdale Coroners' Court.
The court heard his family battled the problem at their Freehold estate home even before Awaab was born and filed a disrepair claim against the housing association, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH). A post-mortem established a medical link between the conditions Awaab was living in and his death - just days after his second birthday.
This week, a Manchester Evening News investigation revealed that other families on Freehold are living in the same conditions, battling mould and damp year after year - even after the death of a child. Some children have been rushed to hospital as they struggle to breathe.
In two cases, GPs made efforts to intervene and help families move home, but their efforts were unsuccessful as the families involved were not deemed a priority for another social house. RBH says it was 'saddened' to hear about the issues raised and will send a specialist team to inspect all 376 homes on Freehold, while Rochdale council admitted there are 'no immediate solutions' to the housing shortage which affects its allocation policy.
Manchester Evening News readers have responded with anger and sorrow at the news of little Awaab's death. Commenting on the M.E.N's Facebook page, readers have expressed their shock at the situation being a reality in 2022 - and have called for action.
Joanne Walker wrote: "There won't be an uproar, he wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he lived on a council estate. RIP lil one x."
Jacki Flanagan commented: "This is so sad. People should not be living like this. RIP little one."
Paula Duncan said: "Sadly, come winter, there will be so many more children suffering from damp and cold homes as no one will be afford to put the heating on - making it even worse."
Jemma Nicholson said: "Poor boy. No one should have to live like this."
Joanne Coghlin wrote: "Absolutely disgusting in 2022." Sandy Cox said: "Why is nothing being done to help these people?"
Elise Sarah added: "This is utterly heartbreaking. Poor, poor boy. I hope a serious case review is put in place and this can’t happen again!"
Desie Jenkins said: "That is horrendous - that a child should die due to living conditions. That poor family x." Melanie Jagger said: "What is going on this is first world country."
Carla Edwards commented: "R.I.P. Awaab Ishak sincere condolences to your family and friends xxx This should NEVER had happened in this day and age!! Poor little boy! xx" Victoria Comber added: "This is a disgrace. No way should this happen."
Have your say in the comments section below
Pamela Bancroft said: "So sad. Heartbreaking. R.I.P. Little lamb." Amirah Iqbal commented: " This is so heartbreaking can’t even imagine so sad."
Anjalí Jeter wrote: "My heart breaks for this family, losing a child to something that shouldn't be a problem in this day and age."
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