Shock at death of Co-op worker
ATTACK AGED 35
TRIBUTES have been paid to a generous and much-loved Co-op worker who has died suddenly.
Mo Faisal was a popular figure at the two Co-op Food stores in Heatherton Village, where he had worked since arriving in the UK in 2015 when he spoke little English.
However, he soon learned and a combination of hard work and his good nature saw him achieve a series of promotions, eventually landing a junior management role.
The 35-year-old died on Wednesday, March 24, after having a heart attack, leaving family, friends and colleagues devastated.
One of his friends has paid tribute to the Littleover man, describing him as always having a smile on his face.
At the time of his death, Mr Faisal had been working at the Co-operative Food store in Tutbury Avenue, and had been saving up to visit his family in Pakistan, who he had been supporting with his wages.
Adam Jakhara, who used to work with Mr Faisal at the Co-operative Food store, off Hollybrook Way, said Mr Faisal was a popular figure, loved by the store’s customers.
He said: “He started in 2015. When he came in he could barely speak English.
“The manager could tell he was a hard worker so they gave him the job. He started as a baker and worked his way up to a junior manager. He was such a hard worker.
“I left, but we remained good friends and we would go for walks together.
“Nobody had a bad word to say about him, he was always happy.”
He added that Mr Faisal had been saving up money to be able to go home and visit his mum in the months leading up to his death.
“He was saving up to go back to Pakistan to go and see his mum because he hadn’t seen her since he came over years ago,” Mr Jakhara said.
“He was really charitable. On the Monday before he died he had spent £30 on food in the Co-op and refused to buy a plastic bag.
“Everyone was joking about how he was going to carry it home but he just put it straight into the food bank.”
Mr Jakhara said he and group of Mr Faisal’s colleagues have decided to raise money to build a well in the village where he grew up.
“I couldn’t believe it and I still cannot believe it,” he said.
“We had the idea to raise money. I think he would’ve been happy that we are all coming together and working together in his memory.”
You can donate in his memory via the Go Fund Me website.