Scots family pay heartbreaking tribute to 'beautiful' dad killed in crash
Shabba's family intend to honour his charitable contribution and continue to supply children with clean water.
A Scots family have paid an emotional tribute to a "beautiful" father who died in a car crash.
On Friday, May 3, Shahbaz Sharif was sadly pronounced dead at the scene of the smash involving his Skoda, black Mercedes Vito taxi and a bicycle on the A70 near Kirknewton, reports Edinburgh Live.
His older sister Brerah Sharif Govender posted a touching tribute on social media ahead of his funeral service on May 14. Another memorial event was also held at Balerno High School on Sunday.
A fundraiser, with the hope of continuing Shabba's incredible charitable legacy funding clean water pumps to disadvantaged communities overseas, has since been launched by the family.
According to Shabba's sister Saj Sharif, once he witnessed extreme poverty in Pakistan, the conditions hit him hard and he felt like he had to help. For years Shabba was paying £200 to deliver a clean water pump which provided clean drinking water to thousands.
Shabba's family intend to honour his charitable contribution and continue to supply children with clean water, posting images and updates along the way.
Describing the memorial on Sunday, Saj said: "It was such an amazing turnout and an absolute testament to my brother. Even at the funeral the mosque was absolutely packed and people had to queue to get in.
"We had to celebrant doing the narrative and others took their turn speaking then in true Shabba style nobody was allowed to leave without a bag of sweets or cupcakes."
She added: "We were always taught to be charitable and when Shabba went to Pakistan and saw poverty first hand and people struggling to get clean drinking water it hit him hard.
"People were so used to it there but he couldn't believe something we all take for granted wasn't available. He was very humble and didn't seek any recognition.
"He was always a peacekeeper and wanted everyone to get along. He was a big friendly giant and never one to brag.
"He worked in IT but also loved classic and noisy cars so when he wasn't working he was in the garage doing up cars. People from his work even travelled from London to attend the funeral and the company paid for all their expenses.
"It really put into perspective how much he meant to so many people, he really was a beautiful soul."
The GoFundMe, set up by Saj's nephew Amaar Sharif, added: "It is with heavy hearts that we remember our beloved Shahbaz Sharif, known to many as Shabba. Born and raised in Edinburgh, Shabba was one of those rare souls who made the world a softer, kinder place just by being in it.
"To know Shabba was to know patience, compassion, and understanding. He never rushed a conversation, never dismissed someone's pain, instead, he would listen, and truly listen, with his whole heart. Whether it was a friend going through something or a stranger in need of a helping hand, Shabba had time for everyone.
"What many didn't know, because he never boasted about it, was the quiet charity work he did in the background. One of the causes closest to his heart was funding clean water pumps in remote, underserved areas of the world.
"Each pump brought clean, life-saving water to hundreds of people, changing communities for the better and he did it silently, expecting nothing in return.
"In his honour, we'd love to carry on this work. We want to continue funding hand pumps in Shabba's name. Each one costs around £200, and once installed, we'll receive proof, locations, photos, and updates, so that his friends and loved ones can see the impact his memory is still having."
Those wishing to donate can do so on the GoFundMe.
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