Home away from Home - Help me stay in the UK

I have so many great memories of times with Patrick and his family - on the rugby pitch while his parents supported from the side or together with my parents at their home in Bury St Edmunds. I grew up in Suffolk but have often been away at school or university and coming home I would always expect to see them at some point. I considered them a part of my home, community and childhood. When Patrick's mother and father were forced to leave the UK, Patrick was left to make a life and build a future and he has done so without complaint. My parents lost two of their very good friends to government bureaucracy and have only been able to see them once in the last 2 years. I have not seen them at all. It is sad that the Home Office could not see how much Patrick and his family are to us, the people who they claim to represent. I hope this petition can do something to correct that.

As chairman of Bury St Edmunds Rugby club, I can vouch for the fact that Pat has been a well liked, talented, committed and valued member of the club and the local community since he joined the club at 13. He is an asset to the club and local community, and unlike some is not a drain on our society but makes a positive contribution. It would be a travesty and a disgrace to our society and our values if he was not allowed to stay when so many any other far less deserving people are allowed to remain. Michael Robinson BSERUFC Chairman

Like many others here I know Patrick through West Suffolk College rugby academy ,I can safely say that pat is an outstanding member of the community and is clearly a determined and intelligent individual , not once in my time knowing Patrick have I ever seen him commit a crime , take advantage of a person in need , or anything to discredit the man he is , that alone should be enough to keep him part of this community and society that is the united kingdom

I have known Patrick for over ten years and Is a close friend of mine. He is a hardworking individual who is willing to engage in his endeavours fully, whatever they may be. He displays great motivation in the workplace and is seeking to become qualified as a dental technician, proving his worth as an individual with specialist expertise, a contributory member to much valued medical services. Patrick has strived to live an enriched, fulfilling and successful life here in the UK since the work go, whether it be on the rugby field, at work or amongst friends and family. To send him back would rob him of what he has worked so hard for and cherishes dearly.

Our family have been lucky to have had Patrick in our lives since he came to the UK when he was 13, he has become like a son to us. Please let him finish his studies in this country surrounded by the people who have become so close to him. He deserves a chance to make a better life for himself.

Patrick is a hard working, polite and dedicated person. I have known him the entire time he has lived in the Uk and can honestly say he is a credit to our country. To send him back to South Africa would be like sending someone to live their life in a different country. England is his home and he deserves the right to live here as he has most of his life.

I am one of Patrick's closest friends and have known him from a few weeks since he entered the UK. He is genuinely a valuable asset within our society and has demonstrated a positive impact on his time here. Compared to myself and many other peers in which he has grown up with, Patrick has always excelled in areas such as his studies and work ethic, showing obvious reasons as to why he should be able to stay and continue with the successful life he has created within the UK. This is backed up by various tutors, University lecturers, work managers and numerous close friends of all ages, who compliment his nature and determination within his studies and hard work. This is a legitimate individual who wants to stay in the UK for the right reasons and his ability has shown a positive influence throughout his stay.

Hey mate. Don't know you but your girlfriend is a friend of friend. Please start a fundraising page or something would love to chip in to help with the £750! Good luck man!

Patrick is a genuine member of the public who has continually contributed to the systems in place as set by government. In addition he he has strong links in the community and has continually looked to better himself for the benefit of his girlfriend and friends all at his own expense. A valued member of our community who should be granted to remain in this country with his loved ones who he has been with since the age of 13. Of all the stereotypical immigrants portrayed in the media , Patrick does not fit this stereotype and is a truly hard working gentlemen who has bought into our community and country and therefore should be allowed to remain in this country. Aaron Waters

What I meant to say is :- there are a lot more people over here drawing off the state they are the ones that should be sent home Gary lofthouse

I grew up with Patrick throughout school and college and has grown to be one of my best friends that i have. Patrick has always been well liked and an inspiration to his peers, to look at where he came from to what he does now is a massive achievement and shows his determination to be a lawful and honest citizen. Not only is Patrick an asset to this country, but he also reflects the attitude him and his family have to abide to laws and contribute to this country. Patrick has been involved in clubs and societies and i have played sport with him throughout my childhood and adolescence, This proves he only wants to be a part of the local community and his actions are true. It would be disgrace to deny Patrick what he so rightly deserves. He has built his life here and has done so in a honest and lawful way without endangering others.The value he adds to friends, work colleagues, other families, the community, clubs and the UK is unique. Everyone that knows Patrick has a special relationship with him which makes him an exceptional individual and a credit to the UK.

I have know Pat for several years , initially through Rugby and his time at West Suffolk College. He was avery valuable member of the Rugby Academy and a great mentor to many of the new players. He was always willing to volunteer and was instrumental in assisting in raising substantial funds for local charities. Since College Pat has always been hardworking and never asked for assistance , but many times been the first to offer help. This I feel comes from his upbringing and pride in what he has achieved. This Gentleman is the sort of person any parent would be proud of and I feel can and will make a great contribution to the local community and those around him in the future.