Coronavirus Campaign
Memorial appeal for the youngest UK victim of COVID-19 – 13-year-old London school boy Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab.
The youngster, from Brixton (who had no known pre-existing health conditions) died all alone, separated from his family after contracting the extremely infectious virus. Tragically, he was also buried without his immediate family present, as his mother and six siblings were forced to self-isolate.
Family friend Mark Stephenson and Director of Madinah College, who set up the GoFundMe appeal for the family said:
“Shaykh Sharif Zain will be leading the funeral and I will be delivering a short speech for the Abdulwahab family and a few close family and friends. We hope that we can send a live stream of the funeral to his mother and siblings so they can be there remotely, but they are obviously devastated that they can’t be there in person again. It’s extremely upsetting for everyone involved, but they have been very moved by the warmth and very positive messages of support from people following their appeal.
Background:
Ismail’s Covid-19 symptoms started on Monday 23 March. An ambulance took him to Kings College Hospital on Thursday 26 March and he was put on a ventilator. He tested positive for Covid-19 On Friday 27 March and was put into an induced coma. He died on Monday 30 March at 3am after his lungs failed and he had a cardiac arrest.
Kings College Hospital confirmed a 13-year-old boy did test positive for Covid-19 and died but said there would be no post-mortem autopsy.
The GoFundMe appeal raised over £70,000 in just 3 days, with more than 4k people donating and many leaving messages of condolence and support.
I worked closely with family friend Mark Stephenson to manage all media relations for the appeal and release statements on behalf of the family (who requested no photos or further family names should be released and declined all media interview requests.)
Memorial Appeal for youngest UK victim of COVID-19 – 13-year-old London school boy Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab…
Key Results:
Blanket coverage across all the nationals including the Guardian, The Independent, The Sun, The Mirror, The Standard, Metro
Over 1140 articles generated in one day for this story
Over 5 front pages for the appeal on Wednesday 1st April 2020
Was featured on the main BBC news alerts
The appeal raised over £70,000
Feedback
“Thank you for your help throughout. It’s been a pleasure working with you. I will forward your love to the family. Take care.
Want to Know More?
