EXCLUSIVE
By Vicki Robinson
Health Reporter
ASHINA Saleh fled Iraq in fear of her life – but could die in the UK because the Government is denying her a vital lung transplant.
The 26-year-old is just weeks from death but because her appeal for asylum has been rejected she cannot even be considered for the life-saving operation.
Her distraught brother is now making one last desperate plea to the Prime Minister: "Please let my sister live".
Hogir, 19, said: "Time is running out for Ashina. Without this operation she will die.
"We left Iraq because of the brutal regime and we hoped for compassion here. We are begging the Government to allow Ashina the chance to live."
Ashina arrived in Leeds with her father Othman and brother Hogir in 2001, fearing alleged threats from the Iraqi government of Saddam Hussein.
Deteriorated
Othman and Hogir were both granted asylum and now live in Harehills, Leeds. But the Home Office ruled Ashina could not stay and should be returned to Iraq.
While awaiting deportation last June, Ashina developed pulmonary fibrosis, a deadly lung condition. Since then her health has deteriorated rapidly and she now cannot breathe without an oxygen mask.
Her only hope is a transplant but her immigration status means she cannot even be put on the waiting list. But she is also now so sick she is not allowed to fly back to Iraq.
Her battle to be allowed the operation is backed by Leeds General Infirmary consultant Dr John Watson, who has written a touching plea to the Home Office.
It reads: "The only possible treatment which may offer her a hope of survival is a lung transplant. Without that, her life expectancy will be limited to a few months at the most.
Because of her oxygen requirements she is unable to leave hospital.
"I would appeal to the Home Office as a matter of urgent compassion to allow her permanent residence."
He is adamant that Ashina's condition only started after she came to the UK and she did not come here to seek medical treatment.
Ashina's corner is also being fought by city MP George Mudie who has requested urgent talks with Home Office Minister Tony McNulty.
He told the YEP: "This is a tragic case and I am urging the Home Office to reconsider.
"There is always controversy over asylum issues, but there cannot possibly be a single person who would want to deny this young woman the treatment she needs to survive."
Ashina's family, including a sister also facing deportation, now keep a bedside vigil at LGI, hoping each day that the Government will relent and let her stay. They have written to Home Secretary Charles Clark, Tony Blair and even the Queen, but have had no reply.
Brother-in-law Ahmed Sarbast, 31, said: "Ashina could die at any time. We just hope and pray that the Government will change its mind."
The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, where lung transplants are carried out in the north of England, confirmed it was unable to consider Ashina for a transplant because she does not have residency in the UK.
The Home Office does not comment on individual asylum cases.
vicki.robinson@ypn.co.uk