People
Dream Cut Short: Newcastle Community Rallies to Honour Nigerian Pharmacy Student Praise Sanni
Praise Oluwatomiwa Sanni, 28, moved to the UK eight months ago to study for a master's degree. His sudden death has united a community determined to give him a dignified farewell.
The Nigerian community in North East England has come together to support the family of Praise Oluwatomiwa Sanni, a 28-year-old pharmacist and master’s student whose sudden death has left friends, classmates, and fellow worshippers in deep mourning.
Praise passed away on 24 July 2026 after a brief illness while receiving treatment at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.
Having qualified as a pharmacist in Nigeria, Praise moved to the United Kingdom just eight months ago to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Sunderland. His ultimate goal was to register and practice as a UK-qualified pharmacist. Friends recall that he arrived with a clear sense of purpose, determined to advance his education, serve his community through healthcare, and live out his Christian faith.
Those who knew Praise describe him as gentle, selfless, and deeply committed to helping others. Whether he was mentoring young people, supporting fellow international students, volunteering in church, or serving through music, he was known for his warm smile and readiness to put others first.
He was an active member of Charismatic Renewal Ministries (CRM) in both Nigeria and the UK, and faithfully served at RCCG Living Assembly in Gateshead, where he was deeply involved in youth ministry, the music department, and student mentoring.
Praise’s life was also marked by remarkable resilience. Two years ago, he underwent two major open-heart surgeries after a community fundraising effort rallied to his aid. The successful operations gave him a second chance to pursue his dreams, complete his education, and continue making a positive impact on those around him. Tragically, that journey was cut short.
“He will be remembered as a man of profound faith, quiet compassion and dedicated service whose life, though brief, left an indelible mark on everyone he met.”
He is survived by his parents, two siblings, and an extended family in Nigeria, alongside a tight-knit community of friends and church members in the UK who are now working to give him a fitting farewell.
With his immediate family unable to travel from Nigeria to oversee arrangements, they have entrusted friends and members of RCCG Living Assembly with organising his funeral in the UK.
To help cover the costs, a GoFundMe appeal has been launched by Ayodele Akin, with RCCG Living Assembly listed as the direct beneficiary. Donations will go toward funeral director fees, burial expenses, transportation, administrative costs, and other essential arrangements. Any funds remaining after these expenses are met will be sent directly to support Praise’s family in Nigeria during this incredibly painful time.
Organisers emphasise that every contribution, no matter the size, will help ensure this dedicated young professional receives the dignified farewell he deserves. Those unable to donate are asked to support the appeal by sharing it through their networks.
Members of the Nigerian diaspora say Praise’s legacy extends far beyond his academic and professional achievements. He will be remembered as a man of profound faith, quiet compassion, and dedicated service whose life, though brief, left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
Those wishing to support the appeal can donate through the GoFundMe campaign, “Help Give Praise Oluwatomiwa Sanni a Dignified Farewell.”
About the author
Vantage Desk reports on the people and communities shaping diaspora life in Britain.
