A GENEROUS event will be held in Bradford next week to mark what would have been the 14th birthday of a much-loved boy who died following a crash.

Tayyab Akram, of East Bowling, was hit by a van on Wakefield Road in 2021 and later died of his injuries in hospital.

To honour Tayyab's memory, his loved ones will be helping to feed anyone in need next Tuesday.

The event will be held at Cafe West on Wanstead Crescent, Allerton, between 6pm and 8.30pm.

Abdul Satar, a close family friend, will be helping on the night.

He said: "We have been holding this event to feed anyone in need for the past two years. 

"November 19 would have been Tayyab's 14th birthday.

"Hot food - including samosas, drumsticks, Seekh kebabs, and chicken biryani - and drinks will be available."

Tayyab's funeral was attended by thousands of mournersTayyab's funeral was attended by thousands of mourners (Image: Newsquest)

Abdul described Tayyab's death as "tragic" and said his family wanted to do something compassionate to help others in his memory.

An inquest into Tayyab's death was held at Bradford Coroners' Court last year.

It heard the 10-year-old Bradford Academy pupil suffered serious head injuries after he was hit by a Mercedes Sprinter van while he was on foot on Wakefield Road on October 13, 2021.

He was out running with members of Nelson's Boxing Academy when he decided to "take a shortcut" and went into the carriageway, the court heard.

The inquest was told the driver rapidly decelerated but there was not sufficient time for them to avoid the collision.

Paramedics attended the scene and Tayyab was taken to Leeds General Infirmary - but despite the best efforts of staff at the hospital, his condition sadly deteriorated.

He tragically passed away on the evening of October 19.

The coroner ruled his death was an accident.

In a family statement, Tayyab's uncle Umbar Akram described his nephew as a "popular and well-loved" boy with a "charismatic personality".

Tayyab was "extremely passionate" about boxing and was a member at Nelson's for more than two years.

After Tayyab died, the principal of Bradford Academy described him as a "fun-loving, popular and funny young man who will be greatly missed by all of our school and the wider community". 

A book of condolence was also opened by the Telegraph & Argus and messages flooded in.

One person summed up the feelings of many by saying: "Rest in peace little man. Too young to be taken and so very sad. It’s heart-breaking news."