Fundraiser for local business owner - Akif Mushtaq - tragically killed by dangerous dog (please share with friends and neighbours in the area)

[Jellybeanz]

Good morning everyone,

I wanted to share a crowdfunder link - funds to go to Akif Mushtaq's family - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/akif-mushtaq-rip---fundraising-for-his-family

I have personally lived in the area for almost 25 years now and have known the brothers who run the dry cleaners for almost that long.

As some of you may be aware, very tragically Akif - of East Dulwich Dry Cleaners (family business on Lordship Lane near the post office) - was horrifically killed by a dangerous dog a few weeks ago. 

https://southwarknews.co.uk/area/dulwich/dulwich-in-shock-after-owner-of-lovely-family-business-dies-in-tragic-dog-attack/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7ve32ejqp1o

It was a huge shock for me so I just cannot comprehend what his family are feeling right now. Akif had young children who will be left without a father. He was such a lovely man, always smiling and good humoured - joking about how good his wife's cooking was and how he had gained some weight. We always had a laugh and he was never in a bad mood whenever I popped in.

As it was so sudden and shocking, I think the main thing that the family may need is financial help to get cover whilst they keep the business open but also take some time off to grieve.

As a gesture of support I wanted to set up a Crowdfunder, so if anyone would like to donate it is here:

Please spread the word to anyone who uses the business or who knows the Mushtaq family.

Very best wishes

[Azalea]

I hope Southwark News could promote this fund raiser, as well as other media.  Thank you for setting it up.

[Jellybeanz]

Good idea if anyone has any contacts I would be glad to make contact - honestly such a loss

[Azalea]

  On 20/12/2024 at 12:29, Jellybeanz said:

Good idea if anyone has any contacts I would be glad to make contact - honestly such a loss

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Sent you a PM.

[Jellybeanz]

Now shared with the original Southwark News article writer who will write a follow up piece and include the link. I have also emailed BBC contacts, so fingers crossed. Any other ideas on how to spread the word welcomed thanks.

[Dulwich Born And Bred]

I will share this on my East Dulwich Mums Facebook group. 

[Jellybeanz]

  On 21/12/2024 at 09:14, Dulwich Born And Bred said:

I will share this on my East Dulwich Mums Facebook group. 

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Much appreciated, such a tragedy so hopefully our fundraiser will be a small token for the family 

[Jellybeanz]

Please share with neighbours in the area, thanks so much 

[Jellybeanz]

Please keep this post at the top owing to its nature and importance. Fundraiser open until 17th January. 

Thank you 

Edited January 6 by Jellybeanz
correcting date

[Jellybeanz]

Thank you for all the generosity of those who have contributed so far...

[Jellybeanz]

Almost at £600. It will stay open until mid January so it would be wonderful to reach £1,000 or over. I think the family will very much appreciate the gesture and thank you all again for your generosity. Akif was truly a well liked and respected member of our ED community. 

Edited January 6 by Jellybeanz

[Jellybeanz]

Continued thanks for your generosity, I'm quite emotional at everyone's kindness and private messages saying how much Akif was well liked by all his customers who became friends...

[Jellybeanz]

Please help keep this at the top of the thread owing to gravity and nature. Many thanks 

[Jellybeanz]

£800 pledged for Akif's family. 

Let's appreciate every moment. Life is short 🙏 

[Jellybeanz]

£885 raised. Very close to target, very much appreciated we are all coming together for his family 🙏 best of ED community. 

Edited December 25, 2024 by Jellybeanz
Amending figure

[Jellybeanz]

Nearly at the target. Thank you all so very much for supporting 

[Azalea]

Just over the target now.  Wonderful.  

[Jellybeanz]

Amazing, everyone has been so generous... least we could all do in these awfully tragic circumstances 

[Azalea]

Any idea when Southwark News is going to run the story about the fundraiser?

[Jellybeanz]

  On 26/12/2024 at 15:46, Azalea said:

Any idea when Southwark News is going to run the story about the fundraiser?

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Not yet, the journalist hasn't been back in touch since confirming she'd do a follow up

[Cancerian]

I bought the Southwark News in Sainsbury’s today and no mention of the fundraiser but the paper was dated  19th December so might have to wait until after the Christmas period for an update. Such tragic circumstances and it’s great you’ve started the fundraiser.

[Jenijenjen]

News about the fundraiser appeared on Southwark News online on 20 December and was shared on their social media accounts

https://southwarknews.co.uk/area/dulwich/akif-mushtaq-fundraiser-set-up-for-family-of-beloved-dulwich-business-owner-who-died-after-dog-attack/

Guess it will apoear in the next print copy

Edited December 27, 2024 by Jenijenjen

[Jellybeanz]

  On 27/12/2024 at 05:15, Jenijenjen said:

News about the fundraiser appeared on Southwark News online on 20 December and was shared on their social media accounts

https://southwarknews.co.uk/area/dulwich/akif-mushtaq-fundraiser-set-up-for-family-of-beloved-dulwich-business-owner-who-died-after-dog-attack/

Guess it will apoear in the next print copy

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Thanks.. the journalist didn't realise I was waiting to find out when she had published the updated article, but emailed a reply the other day confirming she had published another online article with link to the fundraiser. 

Thanks for your support everyone 

[Jellybeanz]

The fundraiser is set to close on 17th January 

Edited January 6 by Jellybeanz
amended date

[sweetgirl]

As great as this post is, have you guys thought the family do to want to draw attention to themselves, for reasons you may not understand!

the family have already said they want no money,  not everyone needs money at times like this

instead of just sending your wishes to them personally you have brought media attention they do not need or want!

Sometimes you need to read between the lines!

the court case alone will bring about information the family do not want anyone to know about!

people need to leave this alone now!

you don’t see the family running to the media to give their story……. Think about it