Ayaz

18.12.1982 – 00.08.2003

There are some people who make the world a better place just by being in it.  Ayaz was one of them. Intelligent, sweet and very sincere, Ayaz had a wicked sense of humour, deep love of WWF wrestling, and irrational fear of cats!

He refused to let illness stop him from gaining four A-levels, and hoped to read Law.  Brunel University kept his place open for him for three years when he had to defer whilst waiting for transplant, proving he impressed them as much as we knew he would.

Ayaz had a huge family, who he adored and talked about endlessly.  He was also a loyal friend, always ready to listen, advise and occasionally gossip!  Ayaz had enormous strength and faith, which helped him cope with waiting on the transplant list.  He never let it get him down and was always cheerful, despite how frustrated and anxious he must have been at times.

After three false alarms Ayaz finally received the gift of new organs on 8th August 2003.  Sadly he’d waited too long, and passed away a few days later. Two years on we all have our own memories of Ayaz - I miss him whenever I buy shoes (he appointed himself ‘shoe monitor’ to help me overcome my addiction - every time I got a new pair I had to ring him and confess!).  But I know he’s left a gap that can never be filled - Ayaz was unique and I feel lucky to have known him.

Maddie

Clever, funny and loved by everyone. Ayaz was a unique soul.  Obviously no two people are exactly the same but I have never come across anyone like Ayaz.  He was kind and gentle yet full of fun.  He was extremely sociable; he never missed a party, birthday or celebration, even when he was feeling terrible he would make the effort.

As an inmate in Papworth I enjoyed the best conversations with Ayaz; from serious talks where we put the world to rights to silly chats about nothing at all.

He was often an agony uncle, lending an ear to any one who cared to bend it yet I never heard Ayaz complain about anything ever.

He was extremely clever yet extremely modest as well as incredibly generous.  I will never forget after I learned the name for the pyjama things he wore called salwar kameez, receiving a package around the time of my Birthday.  I was house bound and on oxygen and my spirits lifted when I opened the parcel which contained the most beautiful green salwar kameez I have ever seen.  I later learned Ayaz had asked his sister with him to help choose.

Ayaz’s family were very important to him and made their mark when they came to visit.  Never less than 6 relatives would squeeze into his room at Papworth, aunts, uncles, parents, cousins, sisters and babyis who were unbelievably adorable.  This would add to the congestion as patients would come out to admire and play with the kids!

Sammi