A poignant legacy fund has been established in honour of Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa, and their four-year-old daughter Sara, a young family from Gloucestershire who tragically lost their lives in the recent Air India plane crash. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner traveling from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, claiming the lives of over 270 people, including the Nanabawa family.
Members of the community remember Akeel as a steadfast pillar of strength, Hannaa for her warmth and quiet generosity, and Sara as a bright-eyed, joyful child who brought happiness to everyone she met. Their profound impact on the local Al Ashraf Primary School community has inspired a fundraiser that has already raised more than £46,000 towards a lasting tribute.
The Sara Nanabawa Legacy Fund will provide ongoing support for families facing hardship within the school community. Far from a one-time appeal, the fund is intended to offer annual aid, covering essential school needs and emergencies, reflecting the compassion and selflessness that defined the Nanabawas' lives.
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Over 1,700 donors have contributed in less than two weeks, nearing the £50,000 goal that will ensure the family’s legacy continues to uplift those in need. The initiative stands as a beacon of hope, embodying the spirit of generosity that Akeel, Hannaa, and Sara exemplified.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Gloucester Muslim Community expressed their condolences and requested privacy for the family as they grieve. Meanwhile, Air India and its parent company Tata Group have pledged significant support for victims' families and those affected by the crash.
This legacy fund not only honours a beloved family but also strengthens the bonds within the community they cherished, ensuring their kindness and spirit endure for years to come.