Bradford mum's sadness at school's memorial plaque decision

Fahrah Ali's daughter, Hafsah, who went to Bowling Park Primary School in New Cross Street, Bradford, tragically died aged 11 in 2015 when her immune system went into overdrive and began attacking her own body.

A plaque was later put in place in memory of Hafsah in the school's entrance - alongside a tribute for Fahrah's sister, Sarah Bibi Ali, who used to work at Bowling Park Primary and sadly died aged 19 in 2002.

But these - and memorial plaques for other children associated with Bowling Park Primary - were moved from the school entrance to the staff room as part of a refurbishment during the summer holidays.

Fahrah, who now has the two plaques at her Bradford home after finding out they had been moved, said she was in a state of "sadness, shock and disappointment" at what had happened.

The school's headteacher said it "absolutely did not wish to cause upset and distress to anyone".

Tributes to Hafsah and Sarah Bibi Ali (Image: Family)

Fahrah told the Telegraph & Argus: "The lack of consideration and empathy demonstrated by the school is truly disheartening.

"The seemingly careless handling of such sentimental items has left our family devastated.

"This feels like a disregard for the emotional ties we and many others in the community have with the school.

"My daughter, a bright light in this community, had a profound impact on the lives of those around her.

"Her sudden departure was a blow to many, and the memorial served as a source of comfort for those coping with the loss.”

In response, West Bowling Park Primary School headteacher Salma Rahman said: "During the summer holidays, the school was fortunate to have the opportunity to give the New Cross Street site a total refresh and uplift with extensive refurbishments, including the redecoration of all the classrooms, corridors and communal areas, in order to provide a teaching and learning environment that our pupils and staff can be proud of and is conducive to learning and a happy workplace.

"To keep the memorial plaques safe, they were taken down and stored safely in school during the refurbishment phase.

"Subsequent remodelling of the entrance area meant that the plaques could not be placed exactly where they had been previously.

"However, it was communicated to the parents of the children the plaques were in remembrance of that they would be placed in the staff room where colleagues who had previously worked with the children could see them on a daily basis and pay their respects.

"During the communications, some families decided that they would like to have the plaques and the school arranged for this."

Fahrah, however, said she felt she had not been properly consulted prior to the plaques being moved.

Ms Rahman said there is still a memorial bench for Hafsah "on the school grounds that is visible to pupils and members of the school community and the family are aware of this".

She added: "We absolutely did not wish to cause upset and distress to anyone and have offered a number of opportunities to meet with the family to discuss this further, and we will continue to work in partnership with all of our families and the community."

Hafsah was given only seven hours to live when doctors admitted her to hospital in the summer of 2015, diagnosing her with HLH, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, a cell-malfunctioning condition that was shutting down her body but she survived one month longer.

Doctors tried treating her with cancer drugs and putting her into a controlled coma with her devoted parents keeping a vigil by her side in an isolation room - but despite best efforts, she could not be saved.

Hafsah's death left teachers and classmates shocked at her school.

She was described as a popular pupil who was always keen to help others and was the first to volunteer.

She loved sport and she was also a devout young scholar learning from the Koran.