Background

Sharanpal Singh was the only son of Mr. Dharam Singh & Mrs. Jagjeet Kaur and the only brother of Mrs. Harinder Kaur, Mrs. Parvinder Kaur & Mrs. Puneeta Kaur.

Born in India, he was one year old when the family arrived in the UK.

Sharanpal Singh, was affectionately called by his nickname ‘GOPU’, a name given by his saintly grand father. Gopu was a very attractive child who was adored by all.

He was a brilliant student at primary school. However, during his early teenage years he reported of giddiness and tiredness, as a result of which Gopu appeared to lose grip over his studies.

The GP advised to reduce the intake of protein but failed to examine further the possible onset of any slowly advancing kidney disease. During his latter years at college, Gopu complained of nausea and cold sweating. The abnormal puffiness under his eyes prompted another GP for a diagnostic blood test. The detection of high percentage of Potassium in the blood required Gopu to be admitted immediately to Kings College Hospital. There he was diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure.

Gopu went on dialysis in Nov-2003. He received a successful kidney transplant on 10-6-2005.

Gopu was gradually returning to normal life in a way that a successful kidney transplant could offer. He intended to enter the University for his higher studies.

Belonging to a devoted gursikh family, Gopu was a pious, honest, kind and a humble person who was always ready to help others.

As a daily routine, he got up at 4:30 a.m. on 31-8-06 and joined his parents to listen to kirtan and GURVAK broadcast from Shri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar. Gopu appeared to be unwell and after prayers retired to his room. He complained of being cold and developed a high temperature. Without delay, Gopu was taken to the hospital where he was proclaimed “dying” of Double Pneumonia, as GAS Streptococcus bacteria had entered into his blood stream causing rapid multi-organ failure.

Dear Gopu passed away at 1:50 a.m. on 1-9-06 in the ICU at Kings College Hospital, London, leaving behind his stunned and bewildered parents and other family members.

The failure on the part of a GP had taken a precious life, so lovely and highly indispensable.

He went away without saying a word
I hear his voice in solitude gravely distressed
I feel the touch of unseen hands around my waist
Escorting me gently to Waheguru’s place
Tears of profound sorrow and grief still flow
How much I love him
Only I know.