‘Inspirational’ youth worker loses cancer battle
Thousands attend funeral
THOUSANDS of mourners attended the funeral of an ‘inspirational’ youth worker who dedicated his life to helping troubled youngsters.
Yasin Khan, 47, died at home on Saturday following a short battle with lung cancer.
The father-of-three, from Shawclough, worked with teenagers and young people in the town for 18 years - helping to transform hundreds of lives.
In his most recent role he was part of the government’s anti-terrorism Prevent campaign, working in schools to turn teenagers away from radicalisation.
More than 3,000 people attended his funeral prayers at the Bilal mosque in Rochdale on Sunday.
There were so many mourners in attendance hundreds were forced to listen to the service on speakers outside.
Yasin’s brother Salim, 49, said: “We had people from different backgrounds, different faiths and different ages at the funeral.
“It was a beautiful sendoff and it was a great comfort to the family to see so many people there.
“Yasin was a family man. He dedicated his life to helping others, especially disadvantaged and vulnerable teenagers.
“He was just a kind and generous individual who went out of his way to help others.
“The family would like to thank everybody who attended the funeral and also Springhill Hospice, the NHS and the Christie - the care he received was fantastic.”
Colleague and friend Mohammed Sheraz described Yasin as a ‘great role model’.
He added: “We are all deeply saddened. I worked with him for the best part of 17 years and he touched so many people’s lives.
“He was an inspiration. It’s a great loss to the community of Rochdale and we pay our respects to his family, but his legacy will live on in all the work he has done with young people and in helping community cohesion.
“There are young people who were involved with anti-social behaviour and crime and we helped put them back on the right track.
“They are now doctors, lawyers and pharmacists making a valuable contribution to society.”
Gail Hopper, director of children’s services at Rochdale council, said: “The whole council is saddened and shocked that we have lost such a wonderful colleague and friend.
“Yasin started at the council in 1999 and worked in our youth service where he was an inspiration to many young people. He then became our equality and diversity officer leading on the prevent agenda with schools.
“With his warmth and empathy he made friends from residents, colleagues and councillors alike.
“He was very well respected across schools and communities in the area through his dedicated work with them.
“He was an excellent officer for the council and worked with great passion and enthusiasm in everything he did.
“Our hearts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time and we will always remember our dear colleague who we miss deeply.
“We cherish the memories and the impact he had across the council and will plan an event to celebrate his life at an appropriate time.”
Yasin, who was diagnosed with cancer just six months ago, is survived by his wife Naila, son Hassin, 21, and daughters Shanice, 18, and Hannah, 14.