A man has spoken of his family’s ordeal amid illness, mental health problems and a battle with the Home Office – all the while the cost of living crisis makes matters worse.
Manjit Kundi, 37, is the husband of 33-year-old Jaspreet, who has a grade four brain tumour and is not expected to get better.
Manjit has spoken of the horror the couple have faced, admitting that their world has turned “upside down” over recent years.
“We are getting help, but it’s not enough. We are struggling,” said Manjit, from Shipley.
“Jaspreet is bed bound, and I rarely leave the house either. I’m depressed and we are in a difficult position.”
Jaspreet arrived in the UK from India in 2014 and fell ill not long after, needing major surgery to have a tumour removed.
The tumour returned in late 2019 and her condition worsened in June this year, as doctors told the family there was nothing more they could do to help.
“Jaspreet hasn’t had a day outside the house or the hospital since she got here,” said Manjit, who is her full-time carer.
“Financially, we’re really struggling. It’s hard to pay bills and put food on the table.
“I’m struggling to pay rent, and it’s getting worse with the rising cost of living.”
Manjit has set up a GoFundMe in a bid to support his wife.
“The reason for this fundraiser is to keep Jaspreet comfortable, as she has been put on palliative care,” he said.
“She is not entitled to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as she has no recourse to public funds on her visa, which I am trying to get changed.”
Manjit has criticised what he sees as a lack of support from the Home Office.
“I’ve applied for an extension to her visa, but they’re not responding,” he said.
“I’ve waited and waited. It should be dealt with as a matter of urgency, she’s at the end of her life. It has taken too long.”
Manjit added that money raised from the GoFundMe will help to fulfil a dream of Jaspreet’s.
“It will allow us to call Jaspreet's parents over from India – this is her last wish,” he said.
A spokesperson for The Home Office commented: “All applications are carefully considered at the time on their individual merits, on the basis of the evidence provided and in accordance with the immigration rules.
“We are aware of this application and it is still under consideration.”
Manjit said he has written to his local MP, Philip Davies, for help.
Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus, Mr Davies said: "I have been assisting Manjit and Jaspreet with this. I have been putting pressure on the Home Office to get this resolved as soon as possible.
"I believe the Home Office has now been in touch with Manjit and Jaspreet and I very much hope this is resolved as soon as possible. I will certainly be keeping their feet to the fire."
To donate to Manjit’s GoFundMe, click here.
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