Thousands sign petition to save Hartlepool gran from deportation - and one even offers to marry her!

Expat Fran Davies, 75, faces being kicked out of Australia because she is too sick.

After appearing in the Mail and on Australian TV, a petition launched by Fran’s family to try to persuade the Australian Government to let her stay has been signed by more than 2,500 people.

The petition on the website change.org has also been widely shared on social media.

Fran, a grandmother of four, said: “I can’t explain. It’s just wonderful and I thank them.”

It has emerged that one elderly Australian even offered to marry Fran if it would help her case. But she told her local Australian news show Today Tonight: “I like my space. I can look after myself but nobody else. I’ve got too much baggage.”

Fran emigrated to be with her only surviving family seven years ago after her husband died. Her application for a permanent visa was rejected by the Australian authorities, who say she could be a burden to its healthcare system.

Since moving to Australia Fran developed a serious blood disease and her general health is fragile.

She is appealing the decision to reject her visa. It will be decided at a tribunal.

Daughter Karen Brabham, 51, who started the petition Fight for Fran, said: “Sending her back could be the death of her. I will fight this all the way to the top.”

The petition can be found at: www.change.org/p/department-of-immigration-and-border-protection-fightforfran