As children ran and played in Rochdale town centre this afternoon, crowds gathered to remember one who will never be able to do that again - Awaab Ishak.
While the news that Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) boss Gareth Swarbrick had today been removed from his position by the board brought on the biggest cheers, the atmosphere was not one of celebration but of outrage. "We shouldn't have to be here today," one man put it. "Awaab should be here, playing, today."
The vigil was organised by Greater Manchester Tenants Union (GMTU) following the coroner's ruling this week that Awaab died after prolonged exposure to damp and mould at his home on the Freehold estate in Rochdale. Awaab's home was described by experts as 'unfit for human habitation' but the housing association did not act to sort out the problems. His family repeatedly asked for help but their cries were ignored.
READ MORE: Chief executive of Rochdale Boroughwide Homes 'removed' from role after Awaab Ishak death
Today, people from a variety of political branches and faiths, as well as members of the public, came together to remember the toddler. "I'm here because I'm a mother - I have two young children a similar age to Awaab, and as a parent, it's just awful," one woman told the Manchester Evening News .
"But really, I'm just angry that it has been allowed to happen," she added. "I'm angry that the company who are supposed to run our social housing for the most vulnerable people would treat people like that. You feel helpless."
Walking around, it was clear just how much Awaab and his family's story had resonated with people in Rochdale and beyond. Snatches of converations revealed shock, anger, and disbelief that an innocent child had died this way in modern Britain. People were here to mourn, but they were also here to remind RBH that there are still mouldy flats, still questions to be answered, and still a child who needlessly lost his life.
Mark Slater, from GMTU, opened the vigil, announcing to mourners the news that Mr Swarbrick had been removed from his position at the head of RBH's board - news that was greeted by smatterings of applause. But he demanded that more be done, saying 'cutting off the top' of the organisation wouldn't solve the problems below.
It was a sentiment echoed by many others at the vigil. Speaking to the M.E.N, deputy leader of Rochdale council Janet Emsley said she knew the council had a 'responsibility' to push for change.
"The first thing I heard when I got here was that Gareth Swarbrick had been removed from his role," she said. "I would have respected him more if he had actually resigned.
"But the fact that he has gone is something that we should be pleased about and that is going to make the way forward quicker and clearer."
Mr Slater spoke of his pride at being a 'staunch, strong, pioneering Rochdalian', telling the vigil: "Rochdale cares". And as strangers stepped forward to light a candle for Awaab, you knew that he was right.
After the speakers finished and the crowd dispersed, Awaab's family appeared, standing together in heartbreaking, stoic silence to observe candles left for their beautiful boy. Their silence is a reminder of all they have suffered, and the magnitute of their loss - a totally preventable loss of an innocent young boy.
Almost 70,000 people have now signed the Manchester Evening News' petition calling for Awaab's Law.
You can sign it here
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