IMMIGRATION IS TEARING OUR FAMILY APART

Hi, my name is Gaynor Matthee,my husband is Jurie Matthee .We live in Bootle , Liverpool. I’m asking for help at the most difficult time of my life.

I have been with my husband for 26 years. He is not just my partner — he is my support, my stability, and my strength.

We met and married in our faith whilst in South Africa.

Now, we are being forced apart.

After returning to Liverpool alone, I faced a devastating health scare where I was told I may have cancer. I went through tests and fear without him by my side. I suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and ongoing mental health struggles — all medically documented.

My husband was granted a visa to come and support me during this traumatic time. For four months, he cared for me when I needed him most. Before his visa expired, we did everything properly and applied for a family visa from within the UK, including receiving a fee waiver due to our situation.

Then we waited…

18 months with no answer.

Only after contacting my local MP did we finally receive a response — a refusal.

We were told that despite my serious health conditions, despite our 26-year relationship, and despite our genuine marriage in the eyes of our faith, we do not have the right to stay together in the UK.

I was told I should leave my home, my family, and my medical support system — and move to South Africa if I want to be with him .

But South Africa is not safe for me.

I have lived through trauma there. I have seen violence that will stay with me forever. I have lost colleagues in horrific circumstances. The fear and impact on my mental health is something I carry every day.

Here in Liverpool, I have my family — a strong support network who are ready to help us rebuild our lives safely.

All we want is to live together, safely, as husband and wife.

Now, our only option is to challenge this decision through a judicial review — but the legal costs are far beyond what I can afford.

That is why I am asking for your help.

I am trying to raise £3,000 to begin urgent legal action

Every donation, no matter how small, truly matters

If you cannot donate, please share our story

This is not just about a visa.

This is about love, health, safety, and the right to be together after 26 years.

Please help us fight to stay together.

Thank you for taking the time to read this — it means more than we can express.