Punam Malhi, 65, from Osterley, West London, died on June 20th, 40 days after being hit by a pick-up truck mere metres away from her home.
Grandmother-of-eight with a grandson on the way, Punam - fondly known as ‘Dadi’ - was going out to do her daily morning walk, the same day as her identical triplet granddaughters’ birthday on May 12th. Tragically, she was struck by a vehicle just yards away from her home.
She sustained a traumatic brain injury and remained in hospital for six weeks before sadly passing away due to the severity of her injuries, fighting for her life and others during this period.
The Malhi family have said they want to honour her life by giving her “the best farewell possible” and have launched a fundraiser to raise money for Headway – the brain injury association, a charity who provides support, services and information to those affected by brain injury.
The fundraiser currently sits at an incredible £17,000, with funds and heartfelt messages from loved ones and friends still flooding through to honour Punam.
Punam has been described by her family as “a woman of deep faith, compassion, and unconditional love.”
Her second eldest son Girish, 43, said: “Tragically, our mum was taken from us far too soon.
“On a road she had safely crossed for over 30 years - walking her grandchildren to and from school, this was a route she did all the time – tragically she was struck by a pick-up truck just 650 metres from her front door.
“She was thinking about everyone else very shortly before the incident - organising ingredients for a special bread for her triplet granddaughters’ birthdays.
“My dad found her within minutes, as he was coming back from his walk. He would never normally go towards these situations where people gather - but he felt in his heart that day that something wasn’t right.”
Husband-of-46-years Brahm found Punam and immediately took his t-shirt off to stop the bleeding from his wife’s head.
Punam was rushed to Paddington Hospital where doctors performed a craniotomy to relieve the pressure from the swelling in her head.
“Her injuries were catastrophic,” said Girish, a Chartered Accountant Banker.
“She was a warrior. She came out of a coma, overcame infections, and fought hard.
“My dad never left my mum’s bedside for all the visiting hours. Every day he was there from 11am to 7pm, for 40 consecutive days. He has eternal love for his wife which will never end.
“Thirty days post-accident, prognosis did not look good and unfortunately doctors told us the severity of her brain injuries was catastrophic and irreversible.
“Still, she gave our family the time to say goodbye, just as she had always put everyone before herself, and the entire family took the opportunity we gave them to visit her bedside before Father’s Day weekend.”
Punam passed away peacefully holding husband Brahm’s hand.
Girish said: “We are heartbroken.
“But we want to honour her the way she lived: selfless by helping others first.
“That’s why we are raising money for Headway – the brain injury association, a UK-wide charity supporting individuals and families affected by brain injuries.
“They offer vital information, services, and emotional support at a time when it’s needed most - something we now understand deeply.
“Instead of flowers or gifts, we kindly ask that you consider donating to Headway in Mum’s memory.
“Every 90 seconds, someone in the UK is admitted to hospital with a brain injury. Your donation - however small - can make a life-changing difference.
“Mum carried everyone’s worries in her heart, whether she’d known them for decades or just shared a story with them that day. She always prayed for others before thinking of herself.
“Thank you for your support, your prayers, and your kindness. Our mum would be so proud to see her legacy help others in need.”
Luke Griggs, Chief Executive of Headway UK, expressed his deepest condolences to Punam’s family and said: “We are touched that the Malhi family have chosen to raise funds to support Headway’s work in Punam’s name.
“Every penny raised, and all the awareness generated will support our mission to help individuals and families affected by brain injury.
“Nothing can take away the sadness and loss that the Malhi family are feeling, but I hope that they can take some solace from the incredible legacy Punam has left.”
You can help honour Punam’s life by donating at her Just Giving page.
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