LONDON: A former staff of Telekom Malaysia Johor, Sharom Abu Bakar, 63, whose wish was to see London, died at the Hillingdon Hospital in West London early this morning, two weeks after being admitted.
Sharom came to London with his wife, Hasnah Mustaffa, 62, a sister-in-law, two other friends and his son, Mohd Sharedza Sharom, 37, on the night of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Sharedza said his father had appeared “drowsy and weak" on arrival and the next day, he bought a one way ticket for his parents to go back to Malaysia.
However, he was taken off the flight after a doctor who examined him said he was unfit to fly. Sharom was admitted to Hillingdon Hospital in the Intensive Care Unit and remained unconscious for a week.
“It was his wish to come to London. It was a treat for him after he was hospitalised earlier this year,” said Sharedza, who had remained in London to be with his father.
“However, he seemed drowsy and weak on arrival on June 25th. He was sleeping all the time. I bought him and my mother a one way ticket to go back as he didn’t look too well.
“But before the flight, a stewardess called a doctor to examine him. And on the doctor’s advice, my father was warded,” said Sharedza.
Sharom was unconscious for about a week but had showed signs of recovery soon after. He was able to talk and walk when aided.
Two days ago, Datuk Ahmad Rasidi Hazizi, Malaysian High Commissioner to UK & Northern Ireland, visited Sharom and found him to be in good spirits.
Rasidi said Sharom had asked him to persuade the doctor to discharge him, saying that he has recovered.
“I told him to be patient as he still had some infections and problems with his liver,” said Rasidi.
Sharedza, meanwhile, said his father was anxious to be discharged but an infection meant he had to be in hospital. Sharom, who had diabetes and liver problems, then developed breathing problems yesterday and doctors operated on him to remove fluids from his stomach.
Sharedza, who saw him yesterday after the operation, said his father looked weak and was unable to speak. He died at about 1.30am today.
Doctors have yet to ascertain the cause of death.
When Sharom was hospitalised, Sharedza started a GoFundMe appeal for his hospital bill. It is understood that Sharom had travel insurance but there were still some complications. The amount collected now stands at £7,617.
Sharedza said the family is still deciding on where he would be buried.