The Government Won’t Let This Little Girl’s Grandparents Attend Her Funeral Because They’re “Too Poor”

Andrea Gada’s relatives won’t be allowed into Britain.

This is Andrea Gada, who died aged 5 just before Christmas last year.

This is Andrea Gada, who died aged 5 just before Christmas last year.

Christopher Ison

She was walking home from school in Eastbourne on December 16 with her father, Wellington, 38, and her 8-year-old brother, Victor, when she was hit by a car.

She was walking home from school in Eastbourne on December 16 with her father, Wellington, 38, and her 8-year-old brother, Victor, when she was hit by a car.

Christopher Ison

However, the couple were shocked to discover that the Home Office will not let Andrea's only living relatives – her grandparents, Stanley and Grace Bwanya, and her aunt, Monalisa Faith Bwanya, all of whom live in Zimbabwe – enter the country to attend the funeral because they are apparently “too poor”.

According to The Guardian: “As street traders but both now not working, the grandparents were unable to supply details of bank accounts and income.”

I hope the prime minister can find it in his heart to help us through this struggle. We understand he has been in the same predicament. We are still in shock over the death of our daughter. It doesn't seem real. My parents are helpless. [My mother] is in tears every time we talk to her – she breaks down.

I lost my sister when she was only 1 year old. That's why I feel my mother is the only person who can comfort me.


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