The widow of a man who was killed after being hit by a car walking home from work days before Christmas has hailed the ‘lifeline’ support her family has received.
Alaaya Bolaji Abdulhaleem was walking home from a shift at Abbycare Home in Kirriemuir, Angus on the morning of Saturday, December 16 when he was struck by a car.
He was rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where he died two days later.
Following his death, the local community have rallied to support the family of the ‘kind and gentle’ father of two, who was known as Abdul.
Over £15,000 has now been raised for Abdul’s wife Halimat Hamzat and their children, with Ms Hamzat posting a message of thanks to colleagues and people in the community for their ‘incredible impact’ on the family.
She wrote on the Oor Kirrie (Auld n New) Facebook group: “It is with a heart full of gratitude that I reach out to each and every one who has been a source of comfort, compassion, and support during one of the most challenging times of my life.
“Though I am not originally from this town, the way you have enveloped me and my children in a warm embrace speaks to the incredible humanity that resides within the town of Kirriemuir.
“Your kindness following the tragic loss of my husband has been nothing short of a lifeline, and I am compelled to express my deepest thanks.
“Your willingness to share in my grief, offer solace, and extend a helping hand has made an indelible impact on my heart and soul.
“Your contributions towards the crowdfunding campaign to assist us financially have eased the burden that comes with unexpected challenges, allowing me to focus on navigating the complexities of grief and helping me and my children heal.
“The thoughtful gifts that have found their way to our doorstep are tangible reminders of the care and compassion that surrounds us. Each gesture has touched our hearts and served as a comforting embrace during moments when words fail to convey the depth of our emotions.
“I am grateful to be a part of this extraordinary community, your kindness has touched me profoundly, and I am forever grateful to call this town not just a place of residence but a community that holds a special place in my heart. Thank you amazing people of Kirriemuir.”
A spokesperson for Abbey Care Services, which owns the home Mr Abdulhaleem worked in, told STV News in December: “Abdul was extremely kind and gentle, he always smiling. Always happy, always.
“He made a really significant impact on one particular client who was out in the community, a man he went to every week.
“He spent quite long days with him and I know he’s feeling the loss of Abdul greatly because he really did make a difference.
“He would have done personal care and things like watching a movie together with the man. Abdul enabled that man’s life, to go out and do other things.
“Abdul was a very clever man, he could speak lots of different languages.
“Initially people were asking what they could do. It’s a difficult time of year for people to put their hands in their pockets but it’s been phenomenal of the people of Kirriemuir and the surrounding areas.”
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