It is with the deepest regret that I heard recently, many miles away, of the untimely loss of my dear, lifelong friend, Noor Mohammed Jangaria.

Noor Mohammed, an only son, suffered a sudden heart attack whilst at home in Oswald Street, Blackburn, at the age of 53 early September. He leaves behind wife Habiba and three children Adam, Ayaz and Ahmed, who he doted on as a caring, loving father.

According to relatives he was in good health and his death was, totally unexpected, surprising the family as well as a whole tight knit community on Shear Brow. My own friendship began when I came across him as a ‘wee nippy’ winger, on the wintry mud entrenched, Pleasington playing fields every Sunday.

He would be a common sight racing the chilly winds in the traditional green hoop colours of Pacers FC in the early 1970’s. Noor later played as a regular for Comet FC, a team of fellow local lads from the Altom Street area in the then only Asian football league in the country. He was one of the most jovial members.

A real life and soul of the team, he readily played pranks and living life to the full with that cheeky smile we all remember.

Later in life, he worked for TNT at Leyland and was always seen as an industrious, hard working character who would always take the time and trouble to help anyone in need. Such was his personality bubbly and oozing confidence besides an infectious laugh, all who came to know him, will recall him fondly.

We had much in common and whenever our paths crossed many years later, despite our distant lives, he always took time to engage in banter in his usual ‘happy go lucky’ style.

The whole community will miss him as will his family.

As for me, little ‘China’ was one of the few characters I had the pleasure to know and I respected the ‘wee man’ for his integrity and good honest wholesome friendship rarely seen or known now.

As I cycled along the Leeds-Liverpool canal a fortnight after, I overheard a middle aged English couple walking their dog.

The woman asking ‘Did you hear about China passing away. Asian lad. Great Guy. I read it in the papers.’ This spoke volumes reflecting the feelings of many.

It was my pleasure indeed to have had the honour to be touched by such a kind, genuine person.

We pray that Allah blesses his soul and grants him a place in Jannatul Firdous. Ameen.