"He was my reason for breathing": Mother pays tribute to loving son Temur Qureshi

Temur Qureshi’s mother, Tatiana, has paid tribute to her son as ‘my reason for breathing’.

Tatiana said Temur’s death had affected ‘countless people’ and urged people thinking about carrying knives to think about the damage they could cause to victims, friend and families.

Temur was just 19 when he was killed in 2023.

 Tatiana said: “Temur was more than just my son – he was my world, my reason for breathing.

“His absence leaves a void so deep; it feels like I’m drowning in sorrow every single day.”

Tatiana and Temur

Temur had pleaded for an end to knife crime prior to his death, having watched his friend Adbul Aziz die in front of him.

His death has left behind a grieving family.

His father, Tatiana said, was ‘broken’ having lost his only son and the ‘chance to be friends with Temur into his old age’.

Temur was also a young father, supporting a daughter.

Tatiana said: “He dreamed of watching her grow, of being there for her every step of the way, of sharing in her joys and triumphs.

“His heart overflowed with love for her, and he longed for nothing more than to be a guiding light in her life.

“That innocent child will grow up without her father, without his love, his guidance, his presence.

“She will never know the warmth of his embrace, the sound of his laughter, the depth of his love.”

Accompanied with Tatiana’s statement, the family has shared photographs of Temur including those of him with his young daughter, and of his grave.

“This is where I visit my son now, and will for the rest of my life,” Tatiana said.

This is where I will shortly see him for his birthday.

“Before anyone even considers carrying a knife, think of these photographs, think of Temur and think of the huge life changing impact you will have on countless people.

“This has to stop.”