Family who lost three generations in 6 days to Covid speak of their 'unimaginable loss'

A grandmother, mother and daughter all died in Royal Blackburn Hospital in early November 2020 and all three burials were conducted within five days of one another.

On the morning of November 6 grandmother, Musarat Bibi, 88, was admitted to hospital and died later that night.

Earlier that week on 2 November 26-year-old Nafisa Ahmed had been admitted to hospital and she died on November 11.

Her mother, Rifat Kauser, a mum-of-seven, 60, went to hospital on November 4 complaining of a persistent cough and passed away on November 12.

Arif Khan said they are still trying to come to terms with the deaths that have ripped a huge hole in their family.

He said: “Our mum (Musarat) was our rock and she was the foundation of the family. She is missed not by only us but by the whole community.

“My sister Rifat was the eldest among us and someone everyone went to for support and guidance.

“Our niece Nafisa was a beautiful and happy young woman who had her whole life in front of her and was due to get married this year.

“To lose my mum, my sister and then our niece was unimaginable.”

His brother Tariq said: “This is something that really hit us hard. There was a wonderful bond between us all.

“At the time some of us were self-isolating so could not even leave the house for the burials. 
“It was a very difficult time for us all like it must be many other families to lose loved ones during the pandemic. Covid has really hit us hard.”

Their sister Jabeen said: “We are a close-knit family and every month when those dates come round there is a great deal of pain and loss in all the family.”

26-year-old Nafisa and mum Rifat died within a day one another and are buried opposite one another. (Picture LT)

Musarat was buried on Sunday November 8 followed by her granddaughter four days later and her daughter on Friday November 13.

Arif said he has been at the hospital with his mum during her final hours and was not told she died of Covid until two days later.

Musarat Bibi was admitted to hospital in the morning of Friday November 6. Arif and his brother were at the hospital throughout the day. They said their mum was alert and video-calling other family members later in the evening.

Arif said: “She was alert and responsive later in the day and even asking questions about taking her daily tablets at 6pm.”

The family said they have spoken with East Lancashire Hospitals Trust with regards to the care given to their mum.

Tariq said: “As soon as we buried our mum our attentions turned to our niece and our sister. There was no time to think about what had just happened.”

Members of the family visit the cemetery daily to pay their respects. 

At Pleasington Cemetery Rifat and her daughter Nafisa are buried opposite to one another with Musarat in another row.

Tariq said: “Someone will be visiting each day and on other days more family members will come. Due to Covid restrictions not everyone is able to come.”

Arif said: “We would like to thank everyone including all our wider family for their support and well wishes during this time.”