Hands of Help for Dinesha & Sam

Story

Dinesha and Sam moved to New Zealand from Sri Lanka in 2010 with their three young boys, hoping to give them a bright future. They worked very hard in their respective careers and were able to apply for Permanent Residency in April 2013, which Dinesha did under the Skilled Migrant Category, submitting clear health records with her application.

They settled in Queenstown and became part of the community, with their children attending a local primary school. Unfortunately after taking up a job as Commi Chef at a restaurant in town, Dinesha had a fall in 2014 and injured her back. Despite numerous trips to doctors she was in unrelenting pain. The family were also still awaiting their residency. Dinesha was in great discomfort, but continued to work nonetheless until January 2015. In September 2015 Dinesha underwent back surgery. There was still no word about their residency application, despite Sam providing all the information INZ had requested.

Following further scans and tests, Dinesha was finally diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in May 2015. This was, obviously, a devastating blow for the family. They were granted a year's work visa in July 2016. The worst news was yet to come - just a few months ago the family were informed by Immigration that they would have to leave New Zealand.

Neither Sam nor Dinesha are allowed to work and Dinesha has been told that she is now responsible for all medical costs. This is a very heavy burden for a family already under tremendous financial and emotional stress.

They need our help URGENTLY. Their children, especially, will be suffering if the family don't receive support. We are raising funds to help them pay for legal costs to apply to stay in NZ, as well as funds for day-to-day living. They have lived in NZ for eight years, paying taxes and positively contributing to society by volunteering in numerous ways, including coaching sport. They really do deserve our support in this very difficult time. Their children deserve a bright future.

***We only have until Monday 27th November to gather AS MANY letters of support for Dinesha and Sam as possible. These letters will be handed over to the Minister of Immigration, Iain Lees-Galloway, within two weeks, and are our BEST CHANCE of influencing his ultimate decision. PLEASE take the next step in playing your part to help this family – they are in a desperate situation and are completely reliant on the community’s support. Please email your support to [email protected] before Monday 27 November.