Derby mosque founder dies four days after testing positive for Covid-19

One of the founding members of Derby’s first mosque has died at the Royal Derby Hospital yesterday (March 31), four days after testing positive for Covid-19.

78-year-old Haji Mohammad Rafique Jamati played a key role in establishing Dairyhouse Road Mosque, also known as Derby Jamia Mosque, after moving to the city from Pakistan in 1961.

The grandfather-of-eight had underlying kidney problems.

Mr Rafique worked for British Rail for around 30 years and was aregular attendee at Derby Jamia Mosque, in Rose Hill Street.

He has been described as "a huge pillar of the community", who was "always helpful, kind, and polite".