AN optician and mum-of-two who worked through the pandemic on emergency appointments has died.

Nynisha Patel, who ran New Bank Optical with her husband Shoyab, developed a brain tumour three months ago and died, aged 58 earlier this month.

Her daughter Raheema, also an optician, worked with her mum.

She said, “Our mother was a dedicated professional throughout her life and she will be missed by all, not least her family and friends.

“When she got ill 10 weeks ago we were having a lot of calls from clients who were ringing up simply to find out how she was.

“When the lockdown happened we remained open only for emergency care and support.

“She continued to work until she was diagnosed with the brain tumour.”

Nynisha was born in Africa and then moved to India before coming to the UK, aged 17, in 1978.

She went on to study at university in London and Oxford before completing her optometry course at Bradford.

She was fully qualified as an optician when she was 24, and moved to Blackburn when she married in 1990.

At New Bank Optical she was well known for assisting all members of the local community.

Raheema said: “My mum began was an optician at New Bank Optical and then in 2008 she took over the practice.

“She had people who had been known at other practices and would travel from other towns to ensure they were seen to by her.”

Nynisha took care of her grandson last summer as her daughter went to the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah.

Raheema said: “My mum had a genuine effect on people’s lives and families who have grown up with her being their optician.

“We had people who would go on the Hajj and when they returned they would always come back to our shop with a present or some Zam Zam water.

“We would like to thank everyone for their kind comments and for their good wishes during this time.”

Refhat Khan, who would visit the opticians with her family despite moving out of Blackburn, said: “She was a kind, caring and compassionate professional.

“Her actions showed she really cared for everyone.”