PETALING JAYA, Oct 27 — The always smiling cancer patient Muhammad Danish Maarif, 11, who had united Malaysians from all walks of life, died yesterday.

The Lego fan died in his home at 4am after years of battling bone cancer and was buried in Kuala Selangor later in the morning.

Danish had wished to go to Legoland in Johor, but because of his weak condition, doctors advised against travelling.

Although he did not manage to visit the park, scores of Malaysians, including Legoland Malaysia Resort, donated Lego toys to turn his room into a miniature Lego wonderland.

Advertisement

His dream came true last month when Legoland paid him a visit along with toys and cosplayers to cheer him up.

Wan Shahriza Abdul Rahman, 48, who led the Lego gift effort,  said she was deeply affected by his demise.

“He had so much to give to the world if given the chance as even his smiles could perk up your day, without him needing to say a word,” said Wan Shahriza, who also lost a son to cancer.

Advertisement

“We will miss his positive attitude. Despite what he had gone through, he never stopped smiling.’’

Despite having one of his lungs and one of his legs removed,  Shahriza said, Danish still put others first.

“He asked for his amputated leg to be covered, not because he was sad, but so his friends would not be awkward around him,’’ she said.

Mary Anne Loh, 39, who also helped with the effort, said the over-400 Lego contributions they had received had proved Danish’s influence in uniting Malaysians through love and kindness.

“We hope his smiles will be remembered by all Malaysians,” said Loh, whose son is also battling cancer.

According to Loh, Danish’s mother, Suhaida Mohamad, is also battling breast cancer, but she chose to prioritise her son.

Legoland general manager (interim) Young Pil-Kim said it was an emotional moment to hear of Danish’s passing.

“When we visited him, we were touched by his strength in facing his challenges with a brave smile,” Young said.

“Every child deserves to play and it pained us to see his sufferings.

“The team is honoured to be able to share a memorable day with Danish and his family along with all his favourite Lego toys.

“On behalf of Legoland Malaysia, I would like to extend our condolences to his family.”