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Commonwealth Army veteran forced to crowdfund vital surgery
May 28, 2020
A Fijian veteran who served in the British Army has thanked the public for helping pay for life saving surgery.
Taitusi Ratucaucau was facing a hospital bill of nearly £30,000.
His immigration status meant he was ineligible for free NHS treatment even though he has served in the Army for more than a decade.
He is one of a number of Commonwealth veterans who are now taking legal action against the government over their rights to settle in the UK.
Earlier this month Mr Ratucaucau had to be rushed to St Pancras in central London after collapsing. Doctors discovered a brain tumour which required urgent surgery.
But he was told he would have to be treated as an overseas patient because of his immigration status.
Recovering in hospital Mr Ratucaucau told the BBC: "I didn't expect this to happen. Never in a million years because I fought for this country."
The Army veteran could not afford to pay the hospital bill and says it was "a big worry" until friends and supporters set up a crowdfunding appeal.
Image copyright Taitusi Ratucaucau Image caption Taitusi Ratucaucau crowdfunded £30,000 to pay for life-saving brain surgery
Mr Ratucaucau says he has been humbled by the generosity of friends and strangers who have now covered the costs.
His case highlights the legal limbo of many Commonwealth veterans who have settled in the UK.
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