‘SHAGUFFTA HAD A HEART OF GOLD’
Shocked friends lay floral tributes to mum-of-one outside the Argos store where she worked
DOZENS of friends have paid their respects following the shock death of an Argos worker.
They laid flowers outside the retail giant’s Longton store in memory of Shaguffta Akhtar. It is understood she tested positive for coronavirus before she died.
About 70 people formed a socially-distanced queue to lay flowers on Sunday afternoon.
Teaching assistant and friend Nasreen Rehman, aged 39, from Longton, said:
“We have known her since we were kids. We grew up together. She was there for everyone, she had a heart of gold.
“She was such a lovely person who always had time for everyone. She was always there. She would go above and beyond for you.
“Whether you were a friend, family, or even a stranger, she was there for you.”
Shaguffta leaves a three-year-old son. It is understood her body has been flown back to Pakistan.
Friend Zamir Akhtar, aged 43, said: “She’s got a little three-year-old and my heart goes out to him.
“She had struggled to have kids so he was a blessing for her. When she had him, he was everything. Whenever you went to Argos she always had a smile on her face.”
Hunsa Tariq has known Shaguffta for years. She has been left heartbroken at the loss of her dear friend.
She said: “I’ve known her all my life pretty much because we lived on the same street. She always went the extra mile helping everyone out. She’s going to be really, really missed.
“We have been on Facetime to her family back home, they’ll appreciate all the love and support she’s getting.”
A note left on one of the floral displays states: “You were one of the most loveable and heartwarming people we’ve met.
“My son called you ‘aunty’ and you were a special friend who we always enjoyed speaking to.
“It was such a shock when we heard the sad news. You will be greatly missed.”
The Sentinel has contacted Argos for a statement regarding Shaguffta’s death.