The parents of a 'kind and sweet' girl who died after suddenly collapsing at school have paid tribute to their late daughter. Laila Dawood, 15, who suffered from allergies and asthma and lived in Normanton, died after collapsing at Derby Moor Academy, Littleover, Derby, on Friday, December 9.
Her father, Mohammed Dawood, 46, who owns a mobile phone repair shop in Derby, felt empty after the shock of her death. As reported by Derbyshire Live, Mr Dawood said: “She meant the whole world to us. She was a very, very sweet child and a respectful girl, whatever colour you were. She had a lot of friends from all different backgrounds.
“She was intelligent and kind and sweet to everyone, a really bright girl. She was doing really well in her mock exams, she got the highest grade. She wanted to become a lawyer and study law.”
Read more: 16 tributes, death and funeral notices from across Nottinghamshire
He described how his daughter would always recognise his unique way of knocking on doors, before running towards the sound for a hug. Mr Dawood said: “Every time I knocked on the door the way I knock on doors she would run and open the door, whatever she was doing, and hug me straight away.
“We have lots of memories from going on holidays and at home and wonderful family and friends too. Now when I come home it’s empty. I see a lot of people but I don’t see my daughter. I feel so empty.”
Laila’s mum, Aziza Dawood, 39, said: “She was my whole world. I struggle to read and write in English and she was my eyes and ears during doctor's appointments and shopping. She was my brain.
“She was my everything, my best friend. She was very intelligent and very bright. I don’t feel the day or night now. I don’t know what’s going on. I’m completely lost.”
A friend of the family, Showat Khan, said flowers will be laid outside Laila's school at 11am on Monday, December 19. He said: "The family and friends are very upset and we stand together as a community."
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