TRIBUTES have been paid to a highly-respected businessman who has died, aged 78.

Mohammed Malik ran Malik Travel Service in Blackburn for several decades and was one of the first Asians to open a business on Whalley Range in the town. 

Mr Malik lost his battle with cancer and died on February 4. He was buried after funeral prayers at the Jamia Madina Masjid.

Mr Malik was well known throughout Lancashire and for many families was the first port of call for those wanting to travel to Pakistan and other destinations to visit relatives.

Mr Malik supported the local community through a number of initiatives.

The family have now set up a Just Giving Page in his memory in the hope of raising £20,000 for the East Lancashire Hospice.

The page saw members of the public raise over £1,000 in just two days.

The post reads: “My father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October. 

“It’s been a long and arduous journey, for dad and the whole family. 

“We spent months in and out of hospital with dad – it was devastating when we were told he was simply too weak for any form of treatment. 

“Once we had dealt with the shock, all we wanted was for him to be comfortable.”

It adds: “On returning home, dad’s pain was becoming unmanageable and the doctors recommended he be admitted into East Lancashire Hospice, albeit only for a few days. 

“Understandably, dad was a little apprehensive at first and I think the word ‘hospice’ made him feel slightly nervous. 

“However, one day in and dad was overwhelmed with the care and provisions of the hospice.”

“The nurses seemed to have a real understanding of his needs and they just wanted him to be comfortable and pain free. 

“We have a big extended family and at times we over took the waiting rooms, but the amazing staff always made us feel welcome. 

“The nurses got to know dad like a friend and we could see they really cared for him which made such a difference to us looking in. For that reason, we will always be in debt to East Lancashire Hospice and words cannot express our complete gratitude to them.”

“In honour of my dad, please can I ask you give whatever you can, so East Lancashire Hospice can continue to provide the amazing care that we are sure it will continue to deliver. We thank you for every penny.”

Donations can be made to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mohammed-malik1939-2018