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Daily Record
20-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
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. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Edinburgh Live
19-05-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh family's touching tribute to 'beautiful' dad killed in West Lothian crash
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Edinburgh family have paid a touching tribute to a "beautiful" husband, father, brother and friend to many who died in a crash. Shahbaz (Shabba) Sharif was tragically pronounced dead at the scene of the smash involving his Skoda, black Mercedes Vito taxi and a bicycle on the A70 near Kirknewton on Friday, May 3. After Shabba's death, 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 has since been launched by the family, with the hope of continuing Shabba's incredible charitable legacy funding clean water pumps to disadvantaged communities overseas. 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. (Image: GoFundMe) "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. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "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 here.
Daily Record
11-05-2025
- Daily Record
First picture of 'beloved' Scots dad who died in horror crash with taxi and bicycle
Shahbaz Sharif, affectionately known as Shabba, passed away following the collision on the A70 near Kirknewton at around 11.35pm on Friday, May 3. Tributes have been paid to a beloved dad who died in a crash with a taxi and a bicycle in West Lothian. Shahbaz Sharif, affectionately known as Shabba, passed away following the collision on the A70 near Kirknewton at around 11.35pm on Friday, May 3. Emergency services were called near the junction for the B7031 following reports of a crash involving a blue Skoda Octavia car, a black Mercedes Vito taxi and a bicycle. Shabba, 46, who was driving the car, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The taxi driver was taken to hospital and later discharged and the cyclist did not require medical treatment. Shabba, who was from Edinburgh, was a much-loved husband and father-of-three. His heartbroken older sister, Brerah Sharif Govender, has now paid tribute as she extended an invitation to members of the community to attend his funeral service on Wednesday, May 14. Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Brerah said: "Thank you everyone for your patience as we waited for investigations to be complete. We would like to invite everyone that is able, to join us. This is about Shabba and he would absolutely want you there, and so do we. "Shabba had love for all and never cared for material or social standing. It did not matter, and does not matter. We want this to be personal for Shabba which is why we need you to cast any concerns or worries aside and please attend. "All are requested to attend regardless of faith as we are all of the human race. Our beloved Shahbaz, father to Saira, Aaron and Laila, husband to Lauren, son of (late) Haji Mohammed Sharif and Rukshana Sharif, brother of Tabassum, Sajdah, Shahzad, Brerah, brother to Missba, Missba, Kevin, Amar and many many more, uncle to his beloved nieces and nephews, brother to Andrew, the Stuart's, Nadeem, Asif and the many friends and relatives he cherished who are too many to name but you know he touched your lives. Please keep Shahbaz in your douahs (prayers) during this difficult time." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The funeral will take place after the Zohr prayer on Wednesday, May 14 from 12.30pm at the Livingston Mosque (1 Craigshill E Rd, Livingston EH54 5DT). There is no formal dress code. Simple modest clothing is permitted. Ladies are kindly asked to wear a simple scarf on the head. A second, celebration of life service will also be held at Balerno High School in the concourse on Sunday, May 18 at 2pm. Following the incident the road was closed for crash investigation work and re-opened around 9am on Saturday, 3 May. Road policing officers appealed for information following the collision. Sergeant Grant Hastie said: "Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died. Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and we are asking anyone who saw what happened to get in touch. "We are particularly keen to trace a second taxi driver who may have witnessed this crash. Anyone with relevant dash-cam footage is also asked to contact police." If you can help please call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4689 of Friday, May 2, 2025.
Wales Online
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Tourist left fuming at 20mph fine on Welsh road expected to return to 30mph in coming weeks
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A tourist has been left fuming after getting his first ever speeding fine on a 20mph Welsh road that could soon revert to 30mph. Martin Toms, a 74-year-old retired salesman, said he had been driving since the age of 17 without ever receiving a speeding ticket. But this changed on a visit to North Wales in March on a road that has been 20mph since the default limit came in back in September 2023. Mr Toms had come from Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire to stay in Chester with his wife Wendy. They decided to have day trip to North Wales to look at the Duke of Lancaster ship, a former passenger vessel beached at Llannerch-y-Mor Wharf near Mostyn, Flintshire. But he fell victim to the 20mph limit in Wales. He was caught by a fixed camera doing 31mph in his Mercedes Vito campervan on a 20mph stretch on the A548 at Greenfield. Mr Toms said he saw the camera sign but as the area was not built up he thought he was in a 30mph zone. He received a speeding ticket a week later and has now paid £95 for a three hour speed awareness course. The pensioner is particularly annoyed because the road is expected to return to 30mph in the coming weeks. This follows a Welsh Government review that is due to see local authorities revert hundreds of roads across Wales back to 30mph this spring and summer. Flintshire council confirmed this location was on the list under review. Go Safe - who manage speed enforcement in Wales - said that while a review is ongoing they have not been informed of any decision at this stage to alter the limit. They added: "Until any change is confirmed and implemented by the Local Authority, drivers are required to comply with the posed 20mph speed limit." Mr Toms said: "I have had a clean licence all my life and I am now 74 years old. I have never knowingly broken a speed limit or had an accident in all that time. "I find this very annoying and even more so because the road could be back at 30mph in a few weeks, which in my view is the correct speed for that section." He added: "We had been staying in Chester for a couple of nights and literally dipped our feet into Wales with a trip to see the ship. We went through Flint and saw it was 20mph there and people were doing that speed as it is a built up area. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox "We carried along the coast road and given that it was not built up and there are no schools here I assumed I was on a 30mph road. I saw the camera sign - although the camera itself it quite hidden - but I checked my speedometer and thought I was within the limit threshold. It was a complete surprise when a week later I received a speeding fine in the post. "I thought maybe they would look at my clean licence, the fact we are not from the area, and that this road could soon revert to 30mph and show some discretion. There must be so many visitors caught out as well as local people. "I would understand if I was doing 40mph or if I was caught in a built up area like Flint going at this speed but in all my experience of driving a road like this has always been 30mph. "I've certainly nothing against the Welsh people but I've something against the people who brought in this limit. I know friends who've also been fined on 20mph roads in Wales and say they are concerned about going back. "I've decided to bite the bullet and pay for the three hour course but I still don't consider that I did anything wrong." Flintshire have announced dozens of roads in the county that are now under review and could return to 30mph.
North Wales Live
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
Tourist left fuming at 20mph fine on Welsh road expected to return to 30mph in coming weeks
A tourist has been left fuming after getting his first ever speeding fine on a 20mph Welsh road that could soon revert to 30mph. Martin Toms, a 74-year-old retired salesman, said he had been driving since the age of 17 without ever receiving a speeding ticket. But this changed on a visit to North Wales in March on a road that has been 20mph since the default limit came in back in September 2023. Mr Toms had come from Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire to stay in Chester with his wife Wendy. They decided to have day trip to North Wales to look at the Duke of Lancaster ship, a former passenger vessel beached at Llannerch-y-Mor Wharf near Mostyn, Flintshire. But he fell victim to the 20mph limit in Wales. He was caught by a fixed camera doing 31mph in his Mercedes Vito campervan on a 20mph stretch on the A548 at Greenfield. Mr Toms said he saw the camera sign but as the area was not built up he thought he was in a 30mph zone. He received a speeding ticket a week later and has now paid £95 for a three hour speed awareness course. The pensioner is particularly annoyed because the road is expected to return to 30mph in the coming weeks. This follows a Welsh Government review that is due to see local authorities revert hundreds of roads across Wales back to 30mph this spring and summer. Flintshire council confirmed this location was on the list under review. Go Safe - who manage speed enforcement in Wales - said that while a review is ongoing they have not been informed of any decision at this stage to alter the limit. They added: "Until any change is confirmed and implemented by the Local Authority, drivers are required to comply with the posed 20mph speed limit." Mr Toms said: "I have had a clean licence all my life and I am now 74 years old. I have never knowingly broken a speed limit or had an accident in all that time. "I find this very annoying and even more so because the road could be back at 30mph in a few weeks, which in my view is the correct speed for that section." He added: "We had been staying in Chester for a couple of nights and literally dipped our feet into Wales with a trip to see the ship. We went through Flint and saw it was 20mph there and people were doing that speed as it is a built up area. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox "We carried along the coast road and given that it was not built up and there are no schools here I assumed I was on a 30mph road. I saw the camera sign - although the camera itself it quite hidden - but I checked my speedometer and thought I was within the limit threshold. It was a complete surprise when a week later I received a speeding fine in the post. "I thought maybe they would look at my clean licence, the fact we are not from the area, and that this road could soon revert to 30mph and show some discretion. There must be so many visitors caught out as well as local people. "I would understand if I was doing 40mph or if I was caught in a built up area like Flint going at this speed but in all my experience of driving a road like this has always been 30mph. "I've certainly nothing against the Welsh people but I've something against the people who brought in this limit. I know friends who've also been fined on 20mph roads in Wales and say they are concerned about going back. "I've decided to bite the bullet and pay for the three hour course but I still don't consider that I did anything wrong." Flintshire have announced dozens of roads in the county that are now under review and could return to 30mph.
