>>Was the other case resolved in any way satisfactorily?
It was rather though in many ways it was different to this one. In brief, and vaguely to avoid identification;
Man in his 70s, alcoholic, cancer sufferer, back injury, addiction issues, found on the streets having escaped slavery, illegal in Chile, UK passport expired, absolutely no funds. Needed cancer surgery and pretty much everything else.
The major advantage here was that he wanted to remain in Chile, said he had nothing to go back to the UK for.
Fortunately it emerged that he had been in the Army which was where he had injured his back and had been invalided out, meaning various charities became interested including my own.
His cancer has been operated on successfully, though it involved the removal of bits that no man wants removed. He is receiving treatment for his back - mostly painkillers. We managed to persuade the Chilean authorities to forgive his illegal stay and grant him a permanent visa, got a new UK passport which we paid for, arranged permanent accommodation, gave him a cell phone, bought him clothing, bed, blankets etc. etc. and I think his life is probably better than it's been in 30 years. He moved into his permanent accommodation this morning. modest, but clean warm and safe. His old regiment from the UK provide a small but sufficient income. (after a bit of battering them around the head)
He hasn't had a drink in 4 months though I studiously and repeatedly ignore the cannabis smell.
A very happy ending.
On the one in question now the hospital is now prepared to waive the medical fees for the time being, though the liability will remain, subject to us finding him somewhere else to be with the one stipulation that they are not prepared to allow any other Chilean organisation to have payment problems.
Still, little by little we'll get there.
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