IN THE NEWS
TAHIR MAHMOOD, PROPRIETOR OF STOKE FIRM LUCKY SEVEN TAXIS SADLY DIES OF COVID
The co-owner of Staffordshire’s largest taxi firm has lost his fight against Covid - without getting to meet his newborn baby. Tahir Mahmood, one of the bosses of Lucky Seven cabs, was described as the ‘bravest soul’ by his heartbroken family. The 43-year-old was admitted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital with breathing difficulties four weeks ago. But the dad-of-five’s condition failed to improve and he died on Tuesday August 24 without getting the chance to hold his son who was born last week. Tahir, from Normacot, also leaves behind his grief-stricken widow, four other children, two brothers and three sisters. They were among 5,000 mourners who gathered at Gillani Noor mosque in Longton on Wednesday to celebrate his life. His younger brother Muhammad Esa, 40, said: “He was the most beautiful soul I know. He put himself second to everybody. Sometimes he couldn’t eat his food thinking there’s so much poverty in the world. “Our lives will never be the same. He was the most loving father and beautiful brother. “In my life he was a friend, brother and he took my mother and father’s place. Maybe if he didn’t love us as much we might not have missed him so much. “One day his ankle came out of place. He could’ve got in his car and drove to the mosque but he chose to walk. He said he was walking rather than taking the easy way. He wanted to appreciate everything. He was such a humble person. “He valued life and he was a friend to people from all walks of life. “Thank you to everybody that prayed for him and all their support. He is a loss not just to us but to the wider community of Stoke-on-Trent. In his work and in his home life he was the bestest of
OCTOBER 2021
characters.” Lucky Seven was started by their father and taken over by Tahir and his brothers who would help out from an early age answering phone calls. Manager Zahir Ahmed met Tahir more than 30 years ago and says he treated him like a ‘brother’ rather than an employee. He said: “He would go out of his way to help people. He was very charitable. I’ve never had a fallout with him, he treated me like family. He would listen to your views. “We are all going to miss him. Every- body here is devastated. We have had calls from our customers who have been sympathetic and understanding.
“It’s a very difficult time for everybody and for his family especially. I feel like I have lost a brother. I’ve got so much respect for him and will miss him dearly. “There was an incident where a young lad died in Dresden. He didn’t even know the guy but he paid towards the funeral. It was just he helped so many people out, it’s unheard of in these times.” Community leaders and local councillors have also paid tribute. Deputy Lord Mayor, Faisal Hussain, said: “It was absolutely heart-breaking to hear the news of Tahir passing. “Tahir was a kind, friendly and humble person who I have known for many years. Whoever knew Tahir would know that he was a nice and welcoming person who did not even have a hint of arrogance in him. Despite being a successful businessman he would always treat everyone with kindness and respect. “His funeral was one of the biggest I’ve ever seen where thousands of people came from all over the city and further afield to pay their final respects. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. Tahir will surely be missed by many of us.” Councillor Sadaqat Maqsoom, who represents Lightwood, added: “It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Tahir. He was such a friendly, helping, sociable and likeable person he will always be remembered as a deeply-principled and committed man. More than 5,000 people attended his funeral which is a statement in itself. “His passion for the local community and warm smile will be with us always, I wish his family comfort and peace during this very difficult time.” PHTM extends our sympathy to Tahir Mahmood’s family, friends and work colleagues.
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