'Extraordinary' dad and Royal Liverpool Hospital doctor dies suddenly while out walking with family

Tributes have poured in for an 'extraordinary' dad and doctor who died suddenly while out walking with his family. Dr Hassan Burhan was on a walk with his family in the Peak District on Bank Holiday Monday when he unexpectedly collapsed. An air ambulance was scrambled to the scene, but Dr Burhan could not be saved. Dr Burhan was employed at the NHS Royal Liverpool Hospital and was a celebrated figure within the Merseyside Muslim community, being described in one tribute as "extraordinary, kind, humble and warm" man. Born in Huddersfield, he relocated to Liverpool to pursue his medical studies and eventually settled in Birkenhead. He went on to become a consultant respiratory physician at the Royal Liverpool Hospital, also taking on the roles of severe asthma service lead and respiratory research lead at the local NHS trust. His career also saw him appointed as a Ronald Finn senior clinical research fellow at the University of Liverpool, and an honorary research associate at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Outside of his professional life, those closest to Dr Burhan described him as an "extraordinary, kind, humble and warm" individual who always had time for others and was cherished by many - most of all by his wife and two children. His brother-in-law and close friend Faruq Fayaz, who was with him when he died, told the the Liverpool 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. 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, studied alongside Dr Burhan at medical school and had known him since childhood, with their families first crossing paths in India. He said: "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, 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 message circulated among employees throughout 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 relatives are now collecting donations on JustGiving to build a well in his memory.