"Andrew" was released from hospital on Thursday. The medical team had used Wednesday to run some pretty intensive tests to make sure there wasn't a more serious underlying condition. He said he looked like something from a science fiction film as they wired up his head to monitor his brain patterns.
He was grateful to be "free", as he put it on Thursday, though tired from the tests and a little nervous in case he might have another episode of unconsciousness. He lives alone, but there were friends calling in with him to ensure he was ok and had company. We also restocked his kitchen so that he would not need to worry about getting some food in.
The Home Office requires Andrew to sign on at their Glasgow branch every Tuesday. Realising that he would miss his appointment last week, he arranged for the hospital to fax them and confirm that he was an in-patient and was not well enough to be discharged. His solicitor was also informed. Despite this, the Home Office saw fit to send him a threatening letter informing him that his non-attendance renders him liable to detention and a fine of £4000 (Andrew is entirely dependent on just over £40 per week provided by Asylum Support). Quite a welcome home. The doctors had just given him thirty minutes of advice about managing stress and immediately his thoughts were turned to what he might face next Tuesday when he returns to the Home Office.
Thanks for your prayers for Andrew. He is very grateful for all the concern that Christian brothers and sisters have shown for him. Please continue to pray that he would soon receive permission to stay in the UK and be able to build a life here and that the Home Office staff would treat him sympathethically next week.