My name is Ian Hodgson. I am a very proud born and bred British citizen. I have worked here for many years, including playing professional cricket.

I met Christina, my partner of seven years, whilst working in South Africa.

Four years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. It is sadly incurable and becomes progressively worse over time. It got to the stage where my doctor in South Africa recommended that for my health prospects I explore additional treatment options in the UK.

Christina came back to Britain with me. Unfortunately, my disease worsened dramatically in the first three months of being here. Naturally Christina did not want to leave me on my own without her emotional and physical support and so we applied immediately to get her leave to remain.

Refused

The Home Office refused Christina's application on the basis that the difference in medical treatment in the UK and SA would not entitle Christina to stay – they failed to take into account, however, that I as a British citizen am entitled to explore my treatment options in the UK - particularly in circumstances where this is a life and death question for me.

Christina subsequently appealed which was refused by the Immigration judge who held that if I wanted to be with Christina, I should return to South Africa and that couples could not choose where to live.

This is not a question of preference for us. This is a question of the quality and duration of my life. Our barrister, Mr Jan Doerfel believes that the Courts have failed to accord sufficient weight to my status as a British citizen, to the medical evidence and my severe disability/health condition and the right to family life with my partner.

Destroyed

My life will be completely destroyed should Christina be deported. Her emotional support has made my life worth living and her physical support has kept me going throughout my difficult illness.

Everyday tasks which we all take for granted – like preparing food, dressing myself and bathing myself – are incredibly difficult if not impossible for me. Christina helps me with just about everything. I love her dearly and my love is returned by her in volumes. I am a proud man and still naturally try to help myself as far as I can.

I am fighting every step of the way as I simply have no choice. The thought of being without her in my life would be untenable.

Having this most appalling protracted battle to keep the love of my life in this country is destroying what little bit of my health I have left. The stress this has caused me is indescribable. It is bad enough to live day-to-day with an illness that just progressively worsens. Stress and tension is the most terrible situation for any Parkinson's patient to be in as it makes the illness even more severe.

Our case

We are crowdfunding to help pay to judicially review the Upper Tribunal decision refusing leave to appeal, which is currently our only option. £2,000 will be a huge boost towards funding our legal fees, which we anticipate will total around £4,000.

It is incredibly difficult to make this appeal; I am however compelled to as a result of my financial constraints. My legal expenses have been enormous and I am naturally limited in terms of income as I can no longer put in ten hour working days like I have throughout my life. I still do my level best however, through sheer determination, to work when I can.

My partner and I will be eternally grateful for anything you can contribute to fight her impending potential expulsion. We simply cannot fight our case without your help.

About the claimant

My name is Ian Hodgson. I am a very proud born and bred British citizen. I have worked here for many years, including playing professional cricket.

I'm bringing this case because my life will be completely destroyed should Christina be deported. Her emotional support has made my life worth living and her physical support has kept me going throughout my difficult illness.

Fast facts

Four years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. 

I moved back to the UK, the country of my birth, with my South African partner Christina, where my condition has deteriorated further.

The Home Office is trying to deport my loving partner of seven years, Christina, without who I could not survive.

We are applying for judicial review of the Upper Tribunal's ruling.