- A Nigerian lady suffering from leukemia has died after her sister was refused UK visa
- The sister who was denied entry into the UK was the perfect match for the bone marrow transplant to be done for the cancer patient
May Brown was a 24-year-old lady suffering from leukemia. The doctors had told her she would need an urgent stem cell transplant last year.
Martha Brown, the sister of the cancer patient was denied entry into Britain from Nigeria. The sister was said to be a ten out of ten tissue match and was in the best position to donate to her.
However, things did not go as planned as the Home Office said it was not satisfied with Martha coming over as it did not see her as a genuine visitor capable of covering the costs of the trip or having enough funds.
Along the line, the decision was overturned as Martha was allowed to enter the country and the stem cell transplant was done at King’s College Hospital in London January this year.
Late May Brown. Source: Independent.co.uk.
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While the transplant was thought to be successful and Martha returned to Nigeria, May Brown suffered a relapse three months later. Poor May Brown, who had a daughter, was told by the consultants that there was nothing more the doctors could do for her.
Thus, the young lady died in the presence of Mike, her husband and other loved ones. Before May Brown passed on, she shared how she felt upon hearing her sister was denied visa.
Martha’s salary as a teacher was said to be too low to meet entry requirements. This decision was made despite the health status of the patient.
“I was elated when I received the news Martha was a 10 out of 10 match. But when I received notification her visa was rejected, I felt distraught and helpless.
“My two-year-old daughter Selina needs me. She needs me to be back home with her, looking after her.
“To know my life isn’t important to those who have the power to help me is deeply upsetting. My life can be saved if my sister is granted to enter the UK to donate her stem cells.
“This is a six-hour journey which will help save my life. I am begging for the UK Home Office to review their decision and grant my sister admission to the UK.”
A petition signed by over sixty thousand people was filed to allow Martha Brown enter the United Kingdom. Robert Goodwill, the immigration minister intervened before Martha was allowed to enter the UK.
The husband of the deceased spoke after the death of the cancer patient.
"May will forever be remembered in our hearts. She was a strong, beautiful, supportive, wonderful wife and mother. Selina and I will truly miss her.
“May was incredibly grateful to the support given to her from ACLT, and I echo those words on behalf of me and our daughter Selina.
“May will forever remain in our hearts.”
The SaveMayBrown campaign launched made it possible for thousands of people to be added to the stem cell register in the UK and Nigeria.
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A Nigerian man, Isaac Aganozor, is also in similar dilemma as his brother has been denied entry from Nigeria to the UK. Aganozor’s brother who is a tricycle courier is the perfect match for the required bone marrow transplant to be done for him.
The British High Commission in Lagos rejected his application saying they were not satisfied he would leave at the end of his stay.
May May Brown’s soul rest in peace.
Watch the NAIJ.com TV video below to see why this Nigerian is angry at the Queen: