By Ben Lee

A much-loved community pharmacist passed away last month (June 20) after a 50-year career in pharmacy.

Shabbir Jafferali’s legacy according to his family was “to be the best community pharmacist” possible after spending 40 years running Wilmshurst Pharmacy in Lancing, West Sussex.

He was honoured with the British Citizen Award at the Palace of Westminster in January as organisers said he showed “genuine concern for the emotional wellbeing of his fellow community members, making time for everyone, providing not just an excellent pharmacy, but a listening ear and genuine community care".

His family have set up JustGiving account to raise money for the British Skin Foundation, a charity which they said is “close to his heart” and has raised nearly half of its £500 target so far..

“Transformed the whole place”

After running a Boots pharmacy for 10 years in London, Jafferali risked buying Wilmshurst Pharmacy in the early 1980s, which at the time was running at a loss.

 “He transformed the whole place as a community,” his family say, and went on to serve generations of people in the local area as the pharmacy became a “one-stop shop where people can come and get trusted advice and your medication”.

With the pharmacy becoming a hub for Lancing, Jafferali was known as the “oracle” in the community and selflessly worked long hours to serve the village as “pharmacy was dad’s passion,” his family explains.

His respectful and attentive to approach customers was demonstrated through developing his services as he opened consultation rooms and offered vaccinations.

During the Covid pandemic, he worked constantly to ensure patients got their prescriptions, and in recent times he opened on a weekend to take blood pressure readings too.

“Pinnacle” of his career

The culmination of Jafferali’s hard work saw him recognised with the British Citizen Award which honours those who make a difference to their community.

His family said achieving the award was the “pinnacle” of his career and he was proud of the “reputation that he created”.

Shabbir Jafferali passed away aged 74.

What are your thoughts? Comment below and let us know. Or Email haveyoursay@chemistanddruggist.co.uk with any queries