'We were so proud of Awaab, we wish he was still here...'

DEVASTATED DAD OF LITTLE BOY KILLED BY MOULD IN HIS HOME REVEALS FAMILY'S ON-GOING PAIN A YEAR ON FROM CHILD'S SHOCKING INQUEST

- STEPHEN TOPPING

OVERCOME by unthinkable grief, Awaab Ishak's parents somehow found the strength to fight.

Steadfast in their resolve to be heard, to ensure no other family suffered in the way they had, Faisal Abdullah and Aisha Amin kept pushing.

Eventually, they were listened to. It's a year since the scandal of how a young boy lost his life in 21st Century Greater Manchester because of mould in his home unfolded.

On November 15, last year, the tragedy became the focus of attention and fury across the country.

Thousands rushed to sign the petition calling for Awaab's Law hours after coroner Joanne Kearsley delivered her damning indictment on the state of social housing the UK.

"How, in the UK in 2020, does a two-year-old child die from exposure to mould in his home?" she asked.

The photographs of that beautiful little boy broke people's hearts a happy, smiling toddler, playing in the park and blowing out candles on his second birthday.

Awaab died eight days later, on December 21, 2020. Until that point, his family had pleaded for help with the mould that was plaguing their home.

So much has happened in Awaab's name since then to make sure what happened to him never happens again. The loss of Faisal and Aisha's first-born child remains as painful as ever. They relive the over tragedy and over.

They should be a family of five. Awaab's sisters little Fatima and Baraa will never meet their big brother.

Speaking to the M.E.N, Awaab's dad said: "I think as a family, we are aware of what's happening. We see things happening on the news, we see things on the media as to what happened to our son.

"Of course, you know, it is very emotionally distressing for ourselves, but I think we came to terms with the situation and we need to live our life."