The emotional boss of a surgeon who died after battling coronavirus shared a powerful message for his fallen colleague's son.
Highly respected and much loved dad-of-four Sadeq Elhowsh, 58, died on Monday after battling a severe case of COVID-19.
On Tuesday hundreds of staff at Whiston Hospital lined up outside the building to pay their respects to Sadeq, as a hearse carrying his coffin made its final journey.
Rowan Pritchard Jones, medical director of St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, recorded a powerful tribute to his friend and colleague.
Asked what message he had for Sadeq's family, Mr Pritchard Jones said: "We are thinking of you. While Sadeq belonged to our family here at the hospital and here at the NHS, by extension our hearts go out to and our love is with his family tonight, his friends and his children.
"Not least his son who has a place at med school. His dad won't see him graduate but a huge fundraising effort will look to make sure that he gets to make the most of his education.
"If he's half as good a doctor as his dad, he will do very well indeed."
As the funeral cortege passed, staff who had initially been sombre and silent burst into a spontaneous round of applause for a man who earned the respect of all who crossed his path.
Mr Pritchard Jones said: "Sadeq was one of our orthopaedic surgeons well liked and respected both by his colleagues and his patients, well known for doing anything for anybody and most famous for his phrase 'I will sort it'.
"And I think that speaks to the overwhelming reaction we had this afternoon when the hearse brought Sadeq into the hospital before heading to the cemetery.
"Our staff, our family, at St Helens and Knowsley, did what came naturally; we stood shoulder to shoulder, we lined the road, and we paid our respects thoughtfully, and quietly, and then with a spontaneous applause that just said; we value you, we care about you, and not just Sadeq but his family his wife, his four children, and we just wanted to stop and show that we cared."
The fundraising campaign has already raised nearly £83,000 for his son's medical education and to help his family through a traumatic time, and anyone wishing to donate can do so here.
In a statement issued after his death on Monday, Sadeq's family said: "Sadeq was a wonderful husband, as well as a devoted father, and he dearly loved his family.
"We cannot put into words the depth of our loss.
"He loved his work and was dedicated to supporting his patients and his colleagues.
"As a family we are extremely appreciative for all the kind words and messages we have received. We would like to take this time to grieve in private."
Ann Marr, the Trust's chief executive, said: “Sadeq will be sadly missed by all who knew and worked with him.
"He was without doubt a much loved member of the team. All our thoughts are with Sadeq’s family and friends at this time and we offer them our sincere condolences.”
