Sheffield dad, 42, told family he would be out of hospital one day before tragic Covid death

Father-of-three Rubnawaz Qadri Mohammad, or fondly known as Rab or 'Rabster' by his friends and colleagues in Asda Handsworth, was admitted to the hospital after he complained of breathing difficulties on March 22.

Although the 42-year-old informed his family he would be out by Friday, his condition worsened as infection was detected in his lungs.

His elder brother, Shahnawaz Mohammad said: "He was looking forward to leaving the hospital on Friday but suddenly it got worse and he was put on oxygen.

"He had cardiac arrest several minutes before he passed away on Saturday at 6.30pm."

Rab, of Firth Park, left behind a wife and three children aged between 6 and 9 - two of which are autistic.

Shahnawaz said the family are still coming to terms with the loss, as it came as a shock to everyone.

"He was a lovely man, caring and loved his children to bits. Always put his kids first. Everybody in the family is going to miss him.

"It's so sudden. We are all still in a state of shock with what happened," he said.

One of his colleagues, Sarah Cassinelli described Rab as the "kindest and most selfless loyal friend" who always had time to listen.

She said: "He gave the best hugs that made anything better. He never had a bad word to say about anyone.

"But it would be his smiley face that I will remember the most. You couldn't help but smile back...he always put the safety of his colleagues first. The customers loved him too."

His friend, Jacqualine Wild said Rab will be sadly missed by the whole of Asda.

"What a lovely warm friendly guy you were. I will miss our little chats, you would do anything for anyone and you had the biggest heart. Such a sad loss RIP fly high Rabster."

After his passing, his friends have launched a fundraising campaign for the Human Relief Foundation in Rab's memory.

Fundraiser Alaya Begum said she last saw Rab on March 15, fit and well. She added: "Just goes to show how quickly this Covid can attack you."

"Most people will know Rab for being a security guard at Asda Handsworth Sheffield who had an enormous heart and was loved by all that knew him.

"As a form of ongoing charity, I wanted to do my part to help raise funds for the charity in Rab's memory. The funds will be used by the charity where it is most needed.

"Everyone that had the pleasure of knowing or meeting Rab will know that Rab was one in a million and genuinely one of the nicest guys you could ever meet.

"Rab will be truly missed by everyone as he is simply irreplaceable. Rab touched the lives of everyone he met and was so loved by all."

Rab was laid to rest on Sunday (March 28) at Shiregreen Muslim Cemetery.

To support the fundraising campaign, please go here.

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.