Family of Britain's youngest coronavirus victim, 13, cannot attend funeral

The family of Britain's youngest coronavirus victim will not be able to attend his funeral today because they are in self-isolation after his brother and sister developed symptoms. 

Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, from Brixton, south London, died alone at King's College Hospital in the early hours of Monday. 

Tragically, his mother and six siblings will now be forced to watch his funeral on a live-stream when it takes place this afternoon.  

Family friend Mark Stephenson, who set up an appeal on GoFundMe for the family, said Ismail's younger brother and older sister have developed mild symptoms including a temperature and loss of taste.

Mr Stephenson said: 'Shaykh Sharif Zain will be leading the funeral and I will be delivering a short speech for the Abdulwahab family and a few close family and friends.

 

'We hope that we can send a live stream of the funeral to his mother and siblings so they can be there remotely, but they are obviously devastated that they can't be there in person again.

'It's extremely upsetting for everyone involved, but they have been very moved by the warmth and very positive messages of support from people following their appeal.'

Ismail, who had no apparent underlying health conditions, was described by his family as a 'gentle and kind' boy with a 'heartwarming' smile.

He tested positive for Covid-19 last Friday, a day after he was admitted to King's College Hospital.




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