'It's left a void': Family mourn after respected doctor dies with coronavirus

The family of a "greatly respected and loved" doctor from Kent who died after contracting coronavirus say his death had left them feeling lost.

Dr Tariq Shafi was the lead consultant for haematology, the branch of medicine concerned with blood diseases, for 13 years at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford.

Tariq's son Taimur told ITV News: "It's like my mum always says, it's like the ground has been taken underneath her feet. You almost feel lost.

"Dad passing has been such a massive loss to the family and it's left such a void."

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust paid tribute to the "respected and dedicated" 61-year-old.

In a statement, the trust said: "With much sadness we confirm the untimely death of our greatly respected and loved colleague, Dr Tariq Shafi.

"Tariq built an amazing team of dedicated clinicians and support workers, placing them and his patients at the heart of everything he did."

NHS and health care workers who have died during the coronavirus pandemic.

The statement continued: "Tariq will be hugely missed by his patients, his team and all of us here at the trust.

"We send our sincere condolences and sympathies to his family at this tragic time."

Dr Riyaz Shah tweeted a tribute to his friend and colleague Dr Shafi, describing him as a "a very softly spoken and humble man".

He added: "A dedicated doctor and astute clinician. We've lost one of our best."

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