MORE than £53,000 has been raised in memory of a former Fairfield Hospital consultant who died on the frontline in the fight against coronavirus to fulfil the dreams he had for his children.

Dr Nasir Khan, who worked latterly at Dewsbury and District Hospital and lived in Bolton with his family, died on April 28 after contracting Covid-19 at the age of just 46. He died in the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Friend and fellow doctor, consultant ophthalmologist Dr Khalid Riaz, helped set up a fundraising page in memory of Dr Khan to fulfil the hopes he had for his children.

“Dr Khan came to the UK so his children could have a good education and money will support this,” said Dr Riaz, who added that as a locum there is not necessarily financial support for families as is the case if a doctor is fully employed by a Trust.

He added: "We set a target for £50,000 and now it is around £53,000, we are hoping that we can get £60,000. So many people have donated, people who had worked with Dr Khan, young doctors.

“It is a big shock what has happened, nothing prepares you for something like this, he was healthy.

Dr Khan worked across the country, including stints at Fairfield General and Ireland, where he met and became friends with Dr Riaz, who now works in Blackpool

Dr Riaz said: “I have had so many messages saying how devoted he was to his patients. He was hard working, even when he went home he would ring the hospital to see how his patients were.”

In a touching tribute, Dr Khan’s son said: “My dad was a loving, caring and much-loved father, husband, son, brother and friend.

“He dedicated his life to his family and profession.

“He was incredibly strong and we always turned to him for support, as he was a shining light of guidance.

“His hard-working nature and charming personality allowed him to make life even more enjoyable.

“We strive to achieve the greatness that was my dad and fulfill the dreams he has left behind.”

Martin Barkley, chief executive of The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “He was absolutely dedicated to the wellbeing of the junior staff he was working with, and his thoughtfulness and considerate manner shone out to everyone who met him.”

To donate in Dr Khan’s memory, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-the-family-of-dr-nasir-khan.