Crash victim was a 'man in a million'

9:38am Friday 15th August 2008

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The family of a 67-year-old man who died following a road smash in Preston last month have described him as a “man in a million”.

In a statement released by the police, the family of Valli Ibrahim Mallu, who died last Thursday from injuries sustained in the August 26 collision on The Boulevard, revealed that although his wife, a dialysis patient, and his son, disabled since a road traffic accident abroad, needed constant care, he was heavily involved in helping the community in which he lived.

They said: “At the age of sixty-seven, he was a very active gentleman and one of his many qualities was he would go out of his way to help anybody, male, female, young or old and this he did with a loving great big smile.”

Mr Mallu, his family said, would assist with Friday prayer meetings at the Clarendon Street Mosque and help disabled members of Brixton Road, where he lived, with their shopping.

The statement added: “He also played a vital role in looking after his grandchildren and daughter-in-law due to his son being restricted with his disability and made a point of taking them on regular trips to the seaside and other attractions so they did not feel left out.

“All in all Valli Mallu was a man in a million who doted on his family and friends. They definitely broke the mould when he was made.

“He looked after his family, relatives and community without asking for anything in return and this is the one thing nobody will ever forget is he did all this with a great big smile and always cracked a joke with all age groups and that is why this man will be greatly missed and the world is at a great loss without him.”

Police have released a picture of the blue Renault Clio in which Mr Mallu was travelling when the collision happened, at around 8.10pm on Saturday July 26.

They are hoping that it will jog the memories of anyone who may have seen the crash.

A 27 year-old man was arrested and questioned about the incident but officers are now appealing for witnesses.

Anyone who saw the collision is asked to call the Road Policing Unit at Preston on 01772 203203.