Widower wins fight to stay in UK

A Filipino man whose wife died after wrongly being given an epidural in the arm during childbirth has been allowed to stay in the UK.

Arnel Cabrera's wife Mayra, 30, died in 2004 after an epidural anaesthetic meant for her spine was misused.

Mrs Cabrera died at Swindon's Great Western Hospital, where she worked as a theatre nurse. The baby survived.

In May the Home Office refused Mr Cabrera's application to stay in the UK and said he would have to leave.

"I look forward to the day when Zac and I can continue our lives here in England as we planned before Mayra's death"
Arnel Cabrera

Mrs Cabrera came to the UK from the Philippines in 2002, settling in Swindon with Mr Cabrera who was allowed to stay in Britain on the basis that she was working.

Following his wife's death, Mr Cabrera was told that, because she was no longer working, he had to leave the country as soon as her inquest had concluded.

Mrs Cabrera was a member of Unison, which challenged the decision and said it welcomed news that Mr Cabrera was no longer facing deportation.

General secretary Dave Prentis, said: "I am delighted that the Home Office has seen sense and reversed its decision.

"Unison funded Arnel's fight to remain in the UK as we firmly believed he and his son Zac had the right to build the family life they had planned before Mayra's tragic death."

Alex Rook from Irwin Mitchell solicitors for Mr Cabrera said: "This is fantastic news and my client is obviously delighted.

"He is financially solvent and keen to contribute greatly to a society that wanted him before his wife was killed.

"Arnel will be so relieved that common sense seems to have finally prevailed and the Home Office have exercised its discretion appropriately."

In a statement Mr Cabrera said: "I am so glad that my application was finally granted and I would like to thank everyone who has supported me.

"I look forward to the day when Zac and I can continue our lives here in England as we planned before Mayra's death."

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