‘Distraught’ Horsham mother denied visit from son

Valeria Austin, 59, of Horsham, who lost her work as a carer in Mill River Lodge due to numerous health problems, had gathered money with friends and family to pay for her son to visit her.

She said: “I’m very grateful for Britain taking me to stay in the country I’m not saying anything against the government but I do think my son has been treated very harshly.”

She added: “I just want to see my son. Your family is your base and if you cannot see them it’s devastating.”

Valerie and her son, Denzil, who was aged 18 at the time, immigrated to England in 2004 after her husband died suddenly.

She was granted an ancestral visa and her son a compassionate visa that then expired after two years.

He subsequently had to return to South Africa, leaving most of his family and friends.

She said: “He had to go home to nothing. Friends put him up, he was just 22.”

She added: “I love South Africa but nobody wants to send their son to a crime-ridden country.”

He has re-settled and has a job and his own home, but has been unable to visit his mother since 2009.