Barrow couple appeal to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to allow them to stay in the UK

Kath Irwin-Jaiteh and Ousman Jaiteh are fighting to be able to stay and live in the Uk and have appealed for the Prime Minister's support.

The couple met when Mrs Irwin-Jaiteh was on holiday in the Gambia with her late mother, former Barrow mayor Mary Irwin.

Kath, a teacher from Barrow, had previously been involved in an arts exchange with the Gambia.

She took her mum to the Gambia to allow her to meet the family who had looked after her.

During their trip, Kath met Ousman, and the pair got married before returning to the family home on Walney together.

Over the next few years, the couple became full-time carers to Mary until her death in April last year.

However the couple have spent much of the last year fighting for Mr Jaiteh to be able to remain in the country after the Home Office told him his spousal visa has run out and he must return to his home country.

The couple appealed against the government's decision in January but the appeal was rejected.

Now they have launched a new application for Mr Jaiteh to be able to live and work in the country.

Mrs Irwin-Jaiteh said: "We've been asked to provide insurmountable as to why we can't go back to the Gambia, and Ousman has to report to Barrow police station every month."

Mr Jaiteh said: "Sometimes I feel like a criminal.

"I just want to be with my wife.

"We can't stay in Africa because of the harsher conditions."

The couple said they would consider living in the Gambia but for its shocking human rights record, poverty and lack of a decent healthcare system.

Mrs Jaiteh has health issues which require specific medication which they would not be able to access there.

Mrs Irwin-Jaiteh said: "The Gambia is one of the poorest countries in the world.

"There is nothing for us to go back to, I'm not physically fit enough to live in Gambia.

"We couldn't afford western style accommodation out there."

Mr Jaiteh added: "The wages in The Gambia are not good, we couldn't survive."

As a result of his immigration status, Mr Jaiteh is unable to work, he has been offered jobs previously and is keen to start work as a painter and decorator and contribute to the community.

He said: "I'm looking forward to being able to give back and want to start my own company."

A Home Office spokesperson said:

“All applications are considered on their individual merits and in line with the immigration rules.

“Individuals applying for leave to remain on the basis of their private and family life must demonstrate that there would be insurmountable obstacles to continuing family life outside the UK.”