A 79-year-old grandmother living in Aberedw, near Builth Wells, faces being deported to South Africa following the Home Office's decision to reject her application to stay in the UK.

Carol Hirst has been married to her British husband, Mike, for more than 44 years, and the pair have lived with their daughter Nikki Blandin De Chalain and nine-year-old grandson in the village for the past five years.

They moved to Wales shortly after they were victims of a violent burglary at their home in Durban, South Africa where they were held at gunpoint. An object was drilled into Mike's leg and Carol suffered cracked ribs during the terrifying ordeal.

However, despite being a wife, mother and grandmother to British citizens, Carol has been told to leave Mid Wales or face deportation.

County Times:

The stress of receiving the news has led to Carol requiring an emergency medical appointment and she has since been prescribed medication to help her sleep.

"It's been too overwhelming," her daughter Nikki said, "we're only just coping".

"To expect my mother at her age to return into the environment that caused stress, depression and anxiety would kill her.

"She has no home to return to, no furniture and since she has been a housewife her entire life, has no pension. Her and my father live off my father's British pension with my added support. She's not a drain on society.

"My father is very stressed and quiet, but he's keeping himself busy."

Ms Blandin De Chalain says the refusal letter suggests that the entire family, who are all British citizens, should return to South Africa with Mrs Hirst.

"We feel that the decision made by the Home Office is cruel and unjust," she added.

A Home Office spokesman said: "In light of further information received, we have contacted the family to advise them that we will reconsider Mrs Hirst’s application.

"We will take into account any additional evidence that is submitted."

  • More than 700 people have signed a petition calling on the Home Office to reverse its decison