People across the M.E. community in the UK are mourning the loss of Sohail Alibhai, one of the bright young stars of M.E. advocacy, who has died unexpectedly at home.
Sohail, who had been a member of Hertfordshire ME/CFS Support Group since it was formed in 2016, was found dead at his home in Northwood, Middlesex, on Sunday, February 27.
He became a key member of Hertfordshire group – keeping members in touch with the pace of ME research round the world and writing their major policy submissions.
Their submission to the recent NICE Guideline on ME/CFS review process had Sohail's fingerprints all over it.
He was a gentle and very intelligent man. We'll miss him hugely.
I knew his health had been getting worse in the last six months. He was getting new symptoms and a lot of dizziness.
Group founder Maxine Ellis
He fitted in well and enjoyed the group's social events. Some of our pictures show him enjoying the group's annual boat trip before covid came along – with Sohail putting on the skipper's hat when he took a turn at the helm.
Sohail, who studied at Oxford University, lived with his parents. He worked for a multinational firm of loss adjusters and insurance brokers.
“This is extremely sad news. I got to know Sohail quite well over the years and he looked after me when I went to speak to a local group meeting just before covid arrived.”
MEA medical adviser Dr Charles Shepherd
Sohail was buried last Saturday (March 6) in accordance with Muslim tradition at Carpendens Park Lawn Cemetery in Watford. We hope to be able to publish a fuller tribute in the next issue of our ME Essential membership magazine.
Hertfordshire ME/CFS Support posted this on their Facebook page at the weekend:
For those of you who are not on Facebook and aware, It is with great sadness to inform you of the passing of Sohail Alibhai on Feb 27th.
He was such a pivotal member of our group with his campaigning, sharing information and research and so much more. A true gentleman, kind and compassionate who had become a friend to so many of us.
He will be missed so much, we will carry on his legacy and keep campaigning in his memory and he will continue to be loved in our hearts.
To all our members , know you are not alone in your struggles and successes, we are all here for each other for good and bad days. Thank you for all the love, friendship and support between each other, you really are so amazing.
I am aware this will be a shock and upsetting for some, if you would like to email me please do, we all have a lot of loving memories.
His family will let us know of a memorial which they hope to make available for people to join remotely for any members wishing to attend. Details will follow when available. We do not know the circumstances of his passing.
We are waiting for details on where to send condolences, which will be shared once we know.
