The heartbreaking image of a happy and smiling Awaab Ishak before his death is one that's impossible not to be moved by.
His shocking death following prolonged exposure to damp and mould at his Rochdale home is one that has sent shockwaves through the local community, and the country.
'A defining moment for the housing sector' is how the toddler's tragic death was described by coroner Joanne Kearsley, who ruled that the two-year-old died as a direct result of mould that wasn't treated at his home.
READ MORE: All the ways tragic Awaab Ishak was failed before his death
Following six days of evidence at Rochdale Coroners Court, Ms Kearsley yesterday (November 15) concluded that Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) - which owns the Freehold estate where Awaab lived - should have carried out repairs on the property when it knew about the mould.
She also criticised advice that was given to Awaab's father, Faisal Abdullah, when he first complained about the problem in autumn 2017 to 'paint over the mould'.
Ms Kearsley ruled that medical advice given to Awaab's family before the toddler's death meant he received 'sub-optimal' care that could not prevent his cardiac arrest, but she did not feel the actions of RBH or Northern Care Alliance NHS Trust amounted to 'neglect'.
In a damning conclusion, she said: "I'm sure I am not alone in asking how does this happen? How in the UK in 2020 does a two-year-old child die from exposure to mould in his home?
"The evidence from this inquest quite clearly showed that this issue is not simply a Rochdale problem. Nor is damp and mould simply a social housing problem."
The family's desperate attempts to rectify the mould and damp issues, and the way they were ignored by RBH have prompted anger and horror from members of the community.
Hundreds of our readers have shared their thoughts on the harrowing case, echoing the views of Ms Kearsley and describing little Awaab's death as an 'absolute disgrace.'
Pat Virciglio wrote on Facebook: "I hope this family are compensated enough for the family to purchase a home that they can maintain and keep it clear of any damp. This is such a tragic story and should never have happened."
Lynne Travis wrote: "This is 2022. Absolutely disgusted that a child should die because of mould." Suzanne Manley added: "This is so sad, my heart goes out to them. Shouldn't be happening in this day and age."
Nic Carson said: "God bless your soul Awaab. Sending so much love and prayers to your family. It's beyond disgusting this ever happened."
A campaign has now been launched by the M.E.N, called Awaab's Law, in a bid to make sure his death is not in vain, and that no other child dies from damp and mouldy social housing.
The petition is calling on all MPs and peers to approve The Social Housing Regulation Bill which is currently going through parliament.
We are also urging the bill to be strengthened with the addition of Ofsted-style inspections at short notice and increased professionalisation of housing management to improve the experience of tenants, including those living with damp and mould.
M.E.N readers are also calling for more action to be taken by social housing firms, and branded little Awaab's death as a tragedy that 'should never have happened.'
Emily Lyons said: "Gorgeous baby boy. Another futile death at the hands of people who just couldn't be bothered. Heartbreaking."
Janieve Petruzis wrote: "His mummy and daddy when I saw them on TV outside court made me shed tears. How will they ever get over losing their baby. It's horrific and cruel and never should have happened. My love and deepest sympathy to you both on the loss of your beautiful son Awaab."
Allene Hastings said: "It's an absolute disgrace a child has to die for them to realise that this is something that needs addressing in other households. Shame on you. RIP wee pet, thoughts are with his family."
Jo Newby wrote: "That should never have happened. All the apologies in the world will not bring that little boy back. He had all his life before him cut tragically short. Sincere condolences to his family."
Sarah Whelan said: "This is absolutely harrowing. A loss of a life that had only just began. In a situation he could not control. Shame on you Rochdale Housing Association."
You can sign the petition for Awaab's Law here.
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