Hollywood actor Colin Firth has called off his filming with Woody Allen in France this week to support a Nigerian woman Mrs Akhalu who underwent a kidney transplant in Leeds hospital and is forced to return to Nigeria. Akhalu was told by medics that she faces certain death if she is forcibly returned to Nigeria.
Mrs Akhalu, 49, who lives in Headingley in West Yorkshire, England, was diagnosed with acute kidney disease in 2005, months after arriving in the UK to study for a masters degree at Leeds University. She eventually received a transplant on the NHS but has been told by the Home Office she must leave, despite two appeal judges already finding in her favour.Watch Mrs Akhalu's video
Firth joined with the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, MP Greg
Mulholland and so many supporters have called on the courts to end the long
running case of deciding Mrs Akhalu’s fate.
Tessa Gregory, Mrs Akhalu’s lawyer said: “In truth, we
should not be having to go through another appeal and Rose should have been
left to get on with her life.”
Mrs Rose Akhalu is
due for another appeal hearing in London on Thursday.
A coach full of supporters will travel from Leeds to London
with her. A candle-lit vigil will be held outside the court on Thursday.
Mr Firth told Rose’s campaign supporters “I need hardly add my voice to the
wholehearted love and support surrounding Rose in her community and among her
friends.
“We all hope that the good sense and humanity displayed so far by the courts will now prevail and that her life will be saved.”
The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Rt Revd. John Packer,
said: “My prayers are with Rose, who faces death from her illness if she is
forced to return to Nigeria.
No comments:
Post a Comment