A WOMAN whose family was torn apart by an immigration ruling has thanked Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman for his help in overturning the decision.

Rachel Gair has been living in Hexham for 16 months, with her 12-year-old daughter Betsy, while her husband of more than 20 years, Craig Stock, is stuck in his native Canada.

However, after months of battling in the courts, the family got the decision they wanted and Craig will be returning home.

Rachel said: “Guy has written several letters to the Home Office on our behalf.

“I wrote to him about 14 months ago. He’s had to listen to many of my rants and raves about the Home Office!”

A spokesman for Mr Opperman said: “Over the course of the past 14 months Guy has met with Ms Gair in a constituency surgery. The actions he has taken on her behalf include a letter to a potential employer for Mr Stock in order to try and keep the potential job open for him; letters and emails to the former immigration minister in support of Mr Stock’s case; ongoing liaison with UK Visas and Immigrations concerning the case and correspondence with the courts and tribunal service asking them not to delay Mr Stock’s case any further.

“Guy has offered his full support to his appeal and is delighted with this recent outcome of the tribunal. He will now be doing all he can to assist with securing Mr Stock’s visa.”

The family hope to be reunited in time for Christmas.