Dr Hassan Burhan has been described as “kind, warm and humble” after his sudden and shocking passing
Dr Hassan Burhan sadly died when out walking with his family on Bank Holiday Monday
Tributes have been paid to an “extraordinary” and loved dad and senior Merseyside doctor who died suddenly when out walking with his family. Dr Hassan Burhan was with his family on Monday, May 4, walking in the Peak District, when he suddenly collapsed.
An air ambulance was called but tragically Dr Burhan died at the scene. Following his death, there has been a huge outpouring of love to the senior doctor who worked at the Royal Liverpool Hospital and was a popular figure in the Merseyside Muslim community.
Born in Huddersfield, Dr Burhan moved to Liverpool to study medicine and settled in the region, living in Birkenhead. He rose to become a consultant respiratory physician at the Royal, also holding the posts of severe asthma service lead and respiratory research lead at the trust which runs the city centre hospital.
An eminent career saw him also become a Ronald Finn senior clinical research fellow at the University of Liverpool and an honorary research associate at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
Away from the hospital, his friends and family described Dr Burhan as an “extraordinary, kind, humble and warm” person who had time to help everyone and was known and loved by many – especially his wife and two children.
His brother-in-law and friend Faruq Fayaz, who was with him when he died, told the ECHO: “He was an accomplished doctor but he was also an extraordinary human being who was so down to earth.
“He didn’t have a bad word to say about anyone, he would always see the best in people and would help anyone out – he was a pillar of the community.
Dr Hassan Burhan sadly died when out walking with his family on Bank Holiday Monday
“Everyone who knew him loved him. They are hard shoes to fill and he leaves a big void behind – he was a massive personality that no one can replace.”
He added: “He was a role model to many people, including me and my children. He was always encouraging people to do their best. He would make you feel lucky to know him. I was older than him but I looked up to him. He touched a lot of lives.”
Another close friend, Lutfi Sulaiman, trained at medical school with Dr Burhan and had known him since they were children, with their parents first meeting in India.
He told the ECHO: “Honestly, he wasn’t a very good medical student but he was a great human-being and sometimes I think they make the best doctors.
“He was so down to earth, so kind and pure. He was such a warm person and had that very human quality to his medicine.
“We have all been sitting around today recounting stories about times we were in trouble when we would ring Has and he was always there to help you out.
“It is such a loss. We’re all just privileged to have had 50 years of his warmth and wonderful presence and we have to be grateful for what we were allotted.”
He added: “He touched a lot of people with his simple kindness and generosity. Of all the people I know he was probably the most loved by everyone. He had the ability to light up a room with his warmth.
“It’s such a shame that he has been taken so young, but he burned very bright while he was alive. He spread his light on everyone around him.”
A notice shared with staff across the University Hospitals of Liverpool group said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the sudden and unexpected death of our much-loved colleague, Dr Hassan Burhan.
“Hassan was a highly respected respiratory consultant and senior clinical fellow and lecturer, who established and led the Tertiary Asthma Service. He made an outstanding contribution to patient care, research, and education, and was deeply valued by colleagues across the region.
“Beyond his professional achievements, Hassan will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, and unwavering commitment to improve services, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society. His loss will be felt greatly by all who had the privilege of working with him.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this very difficult time.”
Dr Burhan’s family are now raising funds in his honour to build a well in a developing country. You can contribute here.