She saved my life. I didn’t think I had a future

Elisé (not her real name) was a political activist in her home country. Members of her family had been killed for their political affiliations and she had been detained and mistreated on a number of occasions. She managed to escape detention and travel to the UK. She was originally represented by a firm of solicitors but her application for asylum was unsuccessful.

After Elisé had exhausted the appeal process, she instructed the Law Centre to represent her in her fresh claim for asylum and human rights in the UK. Our immigration solicitor assisted Elisé in making further submissions and obtaining a full medical-legal report from Freedom from Torture. Although the application was initially refused, we appealed the decision and Elisé was eventually granted leave to remain as a refugee.

‘I really feel so very short of words which I am looking for to thank Mrs [immigration solicitor] for being my lawyer, and for all the hard work on my immigration case and for protecting me and my daughter from persecution.

‘She saved my life. I thought my life is done, is finished. I didn’t think I had a future. The kindness and care she showed me has given me hope and a future.

‘My daughter and I will be eternally grateful to you for the opportunities you have allowed us to pursue by your assistance in our immigration process. All of your hard work is invaluable to us.

‘She has helped me a lot. The comfort I now have makes me want to support others.‘