Awaab Ishak died aged just two years old after living in a mouldy and poorly ventilated flat that led to him suffering heart failure. His home was unfit for human habitation but Rochdale Boroughwide Housing consistently ignored the family’s desperate pleas, which ultimately led to Awaab’s death. We at the Manchester Evening News are in touch with his family, and are campaigning with Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity, to get justice for Awaab Ishak.  

Awaab was an engaging, lively and endearing young boy with his entire life ahead of him. His mother said of him “He was always full of smiles. He liked to joke and was full of life. He used to enjoy playing on his bike. He always wanted to be with us. His absence leaves a huge void.” 

Awaab’s death could and should have been prevented. He died at the hands of a housing association unconcerned with his safety. 

Thousands of people across the UK are forced to live in homes with deadly damp and mould that are left untreated for months and even years, just like Awaab and his family. 

This can’t continue. Join us in demanding justice for Awaab Ishak. 

We want Awaab’s Law to make sure no other child, or anyone else, dies due to mould in their home.

To make this happen, we want Michael Gove, Minister for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to bring together families affected by poor living conditions, housing policy experts and politicians to create this law immediately: people living with damp and mould can’t wait.