I was deeply saddened to hear the news yesterday morning that Adnan had passed away earlier that morning and I felt deeply honoured and privileged to have been invited yesterday, to attend the prayers for Adnan at the Hussaini Islamic Mission and then Adnan’s burial afterwards. I am grateful for the warmth and friendship from his family, friends and community for allowing me to be present and to be afforded the opportunity to be able to pay my respects to a man I admired, felt inspired by and who I feel very lucky to have had in my life.
I first met Adnan, and his friend Almeena, on the evening of Sunday 25th April 2010 during my 26 hour London Marathon. We sat and talked and I immediately felt inspired by his courage and determination as he spoke of fighting his cancer, living life positively, and his desire to support Young People.
In my mind, inspiration is a very personal feeling. I believe it is the effect we allow someone or something to have on our lives when we need it without realising we do. I am fortunate to live an enriched life where I meet many people who have and continue to inspire others, however I also meet people that inspire me personally and give me greater strength to face my own challenges.
Adnan inspired me and I drew strength from his remarkable and selfless attitude to mentor and support others whilst fighting his own battle with cancer. He never dwelled on his own situation and he always found the strength to give his support, no matter how difficult life was for him – to me this is the quality of a truly inspirational man and a man I will never forget. I do not think he knew the real impact he had on others and I hope that his family and friends will take great comfort in their loss to know he was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him and all who met him.
After we first met, I was delighted that he came to watch me cross the finish line on the 26th April and our relationship grew from that day on. When I decided on wanting Young People facing Adversity to steer and guide BRIT to ensure we are a charity that understands Young People facing Adversity, I was thrilled that Adnan joined us and became part of BRIT.
There are two occasions I saw Adnan that stand out as very happy memories of the time we had together. I was so proud that he was with us at No.10 Downing Street when the Prime Minister hosted a reception to mark the founding of BRIT. Adnan was fighting his cancer and the treatment was having an effect on his physical strength and mobility, however he mustered the energy to enthuse and engage with everyone who attended and his infectious spirit and positive outlook was uplifting and engaging. He was doing what he did best, living life and enjoying the time he had to inspire others. The other occasion was when Adnan invited me as his guest to HRH The Prince of Wales’ Mosaic Awards 2010 in the presence of HRH Princess Badiya bint El Hassan, Chairman of Mosaic UK and the guest of honour, HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal. It was a remarkable evening and I had the pleasure of meeting Adnan’s Mother, Saeeda, his Sister, Zahra and his Cousin, Cos. Adnan’s kindness and generosity had also included invitations for Arunima, the chairman of the BRIT Young People’s Visionary Steering Group, and Sally, who gifts her time to support BRIT and I. We all had a very happy evening together and it was a privilege to be part of Adnan’s evening and to meet his family and friends, including Almeena, who I had first met with Adnan at the Marathon. It was also an introduction to Mosaic and I was inspired, educated and introduced to the difficulties faced by the UK’s Young Muslim Community. I felt proud to be Adnan’s guest.
My life has been enriched through my friendship with Adnan and the British Inspiration Trust has been enriched through Adnan’s support, advice and guidance. As we approach the launch of BRIT on the 24th January, I know I will miss Adnan not being with us to share the day, but rather than feel sorrow and sadness, I will remember with great fondness and joy, how fortunate I have been to know Adnan and how positive and inspirational he was in my life.
For those of us who knew Adnan, we will always remember him in our own ways, however I will ensure that Adnan continues to inspire within BRIT as I want Young People facing Adversity to know his remarkable qualities and his sheer determination to live a positive life for others – he personifies inspiration.
My thoughts are with Adnan’s family and friends.
Phil
I first met Adnan, and his friend Almeena, on the evening of Sunday 25th April 2010 during my 26 hour London Marathon. We sat and talked and I immediately felt inspired by his courage and determination as he spoke of fighting his cancer, living life positively, and his desire to support Young People.
In my mind, inspiration is a very personal feeling. I believe it is the effect we allow someone or something to have on our lives when we need it without realising we do. I am fortunate to live an enriched life where I meet many people who have and continue to inspire others, however I also meet people that inspire me personally and give me greater strength to face my own challenges.
Adnan inspired me and I drew strength from his remarkable and selfless attitude to mentor and support others whilst fighting his own battle with cancer. He never dwelled on his own situation and he always found the strength to give his support, no matter how difficult life was for him – to me this is the quality of a truly inspirational man and a man I will never forget. I do not think he knew the real impact he had on others and I hope that his family and friends will take great comfort in their loss to know he was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him and all who met him.
After we first met, I was delighted that he came to watch me cross the finish line on the 26th April and our relationship grew from that day on. When I decided on wanting Young People facing Adversity to steer and guide BRIT to ensure we are a charity that understands Young People facing Adversity, I was thrilled that Adnan joined us and became part of BRIT.
There are two occasions I saw Adnan that stand out as very happy memories of the time we had together. I was so proud that he was with us at No.10 Downing Street when the Prime Minister hosted a reception to mark the founding of BRIT. Adnan was fighting his cancer and the treatment was having an effect on his physical strength and mobility, however he mustered the energy to enthuse and engage with everyone who attended and his infectious spirit and positive outlook was uplifting and engaging. He was doing what he did best, living life and enjoying the time he had to inspire others. The other occasion was when Adnan invited me as his guest to HRH The Prince of Wales’ Mosaic Awards 2010 in the presence of HRH Princess Badiya bint El Hassan, Chairman of Mosaic UK and the guest of honour, HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal. It was a remarkable evening and I had the pleasure of meeting Adnan’s Mother, Saeeda, his Sister, Zahra and his Cousin, Cos. Adnan’s kindness and generosity had also included invitations for Arunima, the chairman of the BRIT Young People’s Visionary Steering Group, and Sally, who gifts her time to support BRIT and I. We all had a very happy evening together and it was a privilege to be part of Adnan’s evening and to meet his family and friends, including Almeena, who I had first met with Adnan at the Marathon. It was also an introduction to Mosaic and I was inspired, educated and introduced to the difficulties faced by the UK’s Young Muslim Community. I felt proud to be Adnan’s guest.
My life has been enriched through my friendship with Adnan and the British Inspiration Trust has been enriched through Adnan’s support, advice and guidance. As we approach the launch of BRIT on the 24th January, I know I will miss Adnan not being with us to share the day, but rather than feel sorrow and sadness, I will remember with great fondness and joy, how fortunate I have been to know Adnan and how positive and inspirational he was in my life.
For those of us who knew Adnan, we will always remember him in our own ways, however I will ensure that Adnan continues to inspire within BRIT as I want Young People facing Adversity to know his remarkable qualities and his sheer determination to live a positive life for others – he personifies inspiration.
My thoughts are with Adnan’s family and friends.
Phil
