Brave to the end...

DETERMINED . . . Hasan Umar “lived his life to the fullest”

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A HEARTBROKEN family have paid tribute to their “courageous and determined” 18-year-old son who died at the weekend.

Hasan Umar died at his home in Coppice in the early hours of Sunday, surrounded by his family, after battling three severe illnesses throughout most of his teenage life.

Hasan had been left severely weakened after being diagnosed with swine flu while in Year 8 at The Hathershaw College.

The infection was made worse due to his other medical conditions including bone marrow suppression — a drop in the cells which carry blood and fight infection — and a shunt in his lung which left his body struggling to pump enough oxygenated blood around his body.

The teenager was thought to be the only person in the country suffering from a trio of rare illnesses at the same time and had spent years attending hospital appointments to manage the conditions. His illnesses meant he had relied on an oxygen tank 24-hours-a-day since his 13th birthday and used a wheelchair to get around but his family said he was determined to live his life to the fullest.

His father Tanweer Umar (47) said: “Hasan’s death has come as such a shock to us - we are still finding it hard to believe that he has gone. He had been ill for a few weeks but he kept smiling and talking throughout.

“After spending the past five years as his carer, taking him to hospital appointments and looking after him, he became a friend as well as a son and I will miss that friendship.

“He loved Manchester City and had a season ticket with lots of friends at the stadium.

“He also loved watching films and TV shows.

“He was determined to live his life to fullest and that is what he did.

“We have lots of great memories of Hasan and we will miss him terribly.”

He added that some of his proudest memories are Hasan’s achievements while he was a student at The Hathershaw College.

The determined teenager stunned teachers and his friends when he walked into his prom in 2014 - the first time many had seen him on his feet for over three years - and his story appeared on the front page of the Oldham Chronicle.

In the same year his family, including dad Tanweer, mum Alia Sadiq and his three brothers, celebrated with him after passing his English and Maths GCSE’s even though his illnesses meant he needed regular hospital appointments and could only spend one-hour-a-day at school at one point.

After his GCSEs, Hasan started a Business Studies course at Oldham College, however he was forced to miss a lot of college time due to developing infections and suffering with ill health in his second year.

Tanweer continued: “Hasan was at his happiest when he was at Hathershaw and doctors even said it helped his health when he was able to go back to school for longer hours.

“He had so many friends there and the staff were fantastic with him.

“One of the best nights of his life was walking into his prom with his friends.

“I really can’t thank the school enough for what they did for him.

“His carers at Oldham College were also great with him and supported him on the course and I know he enjoyed being there.”

Tanweer added that many of Hasan’s friends and family attended his funeral, which took place in Oldham on Monday.

Governors, staff and students at The Hathershaw College were saddened to hear of Hasan’s death.

Dave McEntee, principal at The Hathershaw College said: “Hasan made a huge impression on all of us, he shared his great courage and determination and wicked sense of humour.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”