Shire Hall officials have expressed their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Gloucester family tragically killed in the Air India flight crash. Akeel Nanabawa, along with his wife Hannaa and their daughter Sara, were among the 241 passengers who perished in the crash of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, on June 12. The flight was headed to London Gatwick.
During the Gloucestershire County Council cabinet meeting on June 18, council leader Lisa Spivey (LD, South Cerney) acknowledged the personal connection to the tragedy, revealing that Akeel’s cousin is an employee at the council. Speaking on behalf of the council, she offered profound sympathies during this difficult time.
“This tragic loss touches us all deeply, especially as it involves someone so close to our local community,” Spivey stated. “We stand with the family and friends of Akeel, Hannaa, and Sara as they navigate this heartbreaking ordeal. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
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The identification process following the crash has added to the family’s anguish, and Spivey expressed the council’s commitment to supporting them through this painful period.
Akeel Nanabawa was known locally for running a recruitment firm, while his wife, Hannaa, dedicated her time as a volunteer at Al-Ashraf Primary School in Tredworth. In their memory, the community has established the Sara Nanabawa Legacy Fund, named after their daughter, to provide ongoing support to families in need.
The fund, which has already raised nearly £50,000—exceeding its initial £30,000 goal—is designed as a permanent hardship fund. It aims to assist parents facing crises, cover essential school supplies, and address emergencies at Al-Ashraf Primary School.
“The Sara Nanabawa Legacy Fund embodies the compassion, dedication, and love that defined Akeel, Hannaa, and Sara,” the fundraiser page notes. “Through this fund, their legacy will continue to positively impact lives for years to come, just as they did in their lifetime.”