Tributes paid as Walsall grandfather dies after catching Covid-19
Devastated relatives of a Walsall grandfather struck down by coronavirus have spoken of their heartbreaking loss.
Mumtaz Ahmad, aged 64, died at Walsall Manor Hospital on Saturday, having deteriorated quickly after falling ill just over a week ago.
A funeral service took place at Streetly Crematorium on Sunday and was attended by around 10 of his closest family.
Father-of-five Mr Ahmad was described as a down-to-earth gentleman who was well respected in the community.
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His family believe he could have caught Covid-19 after attending a funeral and large gathering earlier in the month – and have urged people to take extra care of themselves and others to stop the spread of the deadly virus.
His cousin and former Walsall councillor Mushtaq Ahmed said: “Mr Ahmad was a real gentleman, down-to-earth and such a nice person and always very polite.
“Everybody knew him in the community and he was well respected by all. The whole family are extremely sad and shocked by this tragedy.
“About a week ago, he had come home and said he felt like he had the flu. He had gone to hospital for treatment before being sent home.
“But his condition got worse the next day and he went back, where he was checked and told he had pneumonia and the virus.
“We didn’t have any time with him at all, really. He just went after a couple of days in the hospital. You never expect that.
“We are all upset because people couldn’t see him. I spoke to him on the phone and he couldn’t talk properly because he was on machines.”
The latest official figures show two coronavirus patients have died at Walsall Manor, however it often takes several days for deaths to be included due to testing and letting family members know.
Mr Ahmed, who is also president of Ghousia Qasmia Mosque in Mount St, Caldmore, urged people to heed Government guidelines so that they don’t have to go through what they are.
He added: “This virus is a killer and it is getting worse everyday. People just don’t seem to know what this virus is and they have been taking it too lightly.
“Everyone should look after themselves, their children, their grand-kids and the wider community. It is a deadly virus.
“People shouldn’t have gatherings or get togethers and instead, should be at home. Don’t visit anyone, use the phone. Listen to the Government’s guidelines and do your best. Please be careful.”
