We are raising funds to give Hammed, a 36 year old Nigerian student in the UK, a dignified burial after his health deteriorated suddenly from advanced cancer. He came to the UK with hope and determination, but now has only a short time left and is no longer able to travel home to Nigeria. We are trying to support him and bring his brother to be by his side. Any contribution will help us honour his life and lay him to rest with dignity and love.

Hammed's Story:

Hammed is a 36 year old man from Lagos, Nigeria. His hometown is Ayete in Oyo State. He came to the United Kingdom last September to begin his master’s degree in Business and Management. This was a dream he worked for with everything he had. One of his lifelong wishes was to finally visit the UK and watch Chelsea play in person. He was so excited to begin a new chapter and make his family proud.

Hammed comes from a loving family of four children. He is the last born and has always been the joyful heart of his home. He is playful, cheerful and full of life. He loves meeting new people and building friendships wherever he goes. Those who know him describe him as ambitious, kind and determined. He is someone who will stop whatever he is doing just to make sure you are alright. He has always put the wellbeing of other people before his own.

Earlier this year Hammed received the devastating news that he had cancer. Even after his diagnosis he remained hopeful. He continued his studies and completed his master’s degree despite the physical and emotional pain of his illness. His strength showed everyone around him how committed he was to achieving his goals and making his family proud.

Over the past few weeks Hammed’s condition has worsened very quickly. He has fought with courage, but the cancer has spread and his health has deteriorated to the point that he is no longer fit to fly. We tried everything possible to take him back home to Nigeria so he could spend his final days surrounded by his family, but this is no longer medically possible.

Hammed now has only a short time left. His care team and the university are doing everything they can to support him and his loved ones. His brother is trying to travel to the UK so he can be by his side before he passes or at least be present for the burial.

Because Hammed can no longer travel home, he will need to be laid to rest here in the UK. Burial costs are very high and we are trying to raise funds to give him a dignified burial. The estimated costs for the burial plot, coffin and arrangements are around £5000. We are hoping to gather support from anyone who is able to help, even in a small way.

Hammed has spent his life showing up for others. He has been a loyal friend, a loving brother and a warm, bright presence to everyone around him. Now, in this final chapter, we are asking for help to show up for him.

Any contribution will go directly towards his burial and to supporting his brother during this difficult time. Your kindness will help give Hammed the peace, dignity and honour he deserves.

What We Need and What We Already Have

We want to be completely transparent about what we are raising funds for and what has already been generously covered.

Total burial costs:

The full cost for Hammed’s burial is £5000. This includes a 50 year lease for the burial plot as well as the coffin.

Piety Mosque has kindly taken on the rest of the essential arrangements. They will provide the kaffan clothes, mortuary services and transport. The washing will be carried out by volunteers from the community. Their support has already lifted a huge burden from the family and we are deeply grateful.

Support for his brother:

The University of Plymouth has also shown great kindness. They have agreed to support the costs required to bring Hammed’s brother to the United Kingdom so that he can be by his side or be present for the burial. This is an act of compassion that means a great deal to the family.

What we still need:

We are raising funds to cover the remaining funeral costs that are not already supported. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will go directly towards giving Hammed a dignified and peaceful burial during this heartbreaking time.

Thank you for reading and for supporting in any way you can.