Julian Ashley needs no introduction to anyone who was involved in the hi-fi industry during the 80's and early 90’s. He was part of the DNA of Graham's Hi-Fi, where his original thinking was a great influence. Moving on he became sales manager for Musical Fidelity in 1985, where one retailer has described Julian as “the guy that put MF on the map” and directly responsible for the company’s success, not only in the UK, but Germany and other areas of Europe.

After leaving Musical Fidelity, Julian became sales manager for the long-established KEF loudspeaker brand. Introducing new products to the market, he helped the company re-establish its position as a manufacturer of quality in both the hi-end and more affordable model ranges.

Noted for his ability to give informative and compelling demonstrations to both the public and industry, he was a popular visitor to retailers throughout the country and beyond. I am sure many of you will remember him fondly.

With an encyclopaedic knowledge of almost anything hi-fi, a great music listener and very computer savvy to boot, he is still a positive influence in the industry today. Most recently, taken round the Bristol Hi-Fi show riding on his bright red mobility scooter, no less enthusiastic than he was 35 years ago.

Julian was given just 12 weeks to live in November 2013. Misdiagnosed for many months and then told the cancer was too advanced for surgery, we were all devastated. A surgeon prepared to attempt the surgery was found and after 9.5hrs in the operating theatre the op was considered successful, but only a delaying action of 6-12 months until the inevitable end.

Due to complications from the surgery Julian lives a cycle of bacterial infections in his abdomen. Known as ‘Bacterial Overgrowth’ he is given massive cocktails of antibiotics for ten days each time. This is followed by courses of the ‘right’ bacteria to recolonise his digestive system. But the ‘wrong’ ones just love the pro-biotic drinks and start up all over again.

Another result of the surgery is that Julian suffers from very bad ‘Bile Acid Malabsorption’. This happens when the small intestine is unable to direct bile acid back to the liver. This means that the body doesn't absorb water properly and affects digestion.

These are just some of the difficulties Julian faces every day. His life is extraordinarily challenging even with the love and support Gleide provides in profusion.

Although an exceptional survivor of Pancreatic cancer, Julian’s financial position is desperate. Never anticipating surviving for this extended length of time, his resources are exhausted, and he even had his PIP payments cut in July last year. This terrible decision is currently being challenged in court with the assistance of the Macmillan cancer charity and the Marie Curie hospice who still manage his considerable medical needs.

Now Julian Ashley needs your help.

Initially, we need to raise at least £2,400 by the 27th March 2019 in order to keep Gleide, his Brazilian partner, together since before his illness, in this country, for the next 30 months.

Gleide will be forced to leave or be deported if the appropriate fees cannot be paid. Gleide has been Julian's un-supported full-time carer since 2013. Gleide is forbidden to claim public funds - not even a carers allowance. This is standard for immigrants from Brazil.

The £2,400 is to pay the required ‘immigration health surcharge’ fee and the government’s ‘permission to remain’ application fee. We are using crowdfunding to raise the necessary cash. A £10 to £200 each donation should quickly allow us to reach the target in time, but any contribution will be gratefully received. If we don't, Gleide will be escorted to the detention centre near Heathrow and be locked up until a suitable plane is available to fly her to Brazil and dump her 1400 Km from her family's home. Not good.

If Gleide is deported, Julian will be left without local authority support - he was taken off palliative care and all the other associated support he’d been receiving, after surviving for three years and not dying as all the doctors predicted.

By surviving, Julian has fallen into a ‘welfare no-man’s land’. Whilst the surgery has left him with severe disabilities, he has been deemed to be in ‘remission’ as the cancers remaining; where the tumour could not be removed completely, are fortunately dormant.

Julian lives with practically no normal digestive system and his body is only able to absorb some 10 -15% of all that he eats and drinks. Even this is only achieved with the use of artificial enzymes from cattle and pigs, which his body uses to digest his food. Having only 15-20% of both his pancreas and stomach and no duodenum at all, he must eat small quantities every two or three hours.

100mg Fentanyl skin patches and morphine tablets manage pain but leave him less exuberant and more unable to manage. Without Gleide’s support he is simply not able to care for himself.

Being still with us after his major surgery in November 2013 is almost a miracle and surprises everyone. His optimism, spirit and attitude to life are an inspiration to all who know him. Should he lose Gleide and all the care she gives every day, he will be left living alone, the two small dogs he adores, Mollie and Lady will have to be re-homed and he will have lost any remaining quality of life he manages to enjoy. Those close to him know what this would do to his state of mind. Should he lose that will to live that sustains him now, we will lose him. Again, not nice.

As a couple Julian and Gleide were engaged since before the cancer struck. The only thing preventing their marriage has been the cost. If we can raise more, we’ll all be welcome at the wedding (which makes no difference to immigration status!). So, please all, let’s make sure Gleide stays to support and finally marry Julian, as the most likely outcome of her deportation would be a great loss to us all. Please give generously.

............................................

Some extra info regarding about what Julian has to do, from Julian's Immigration Advisor.

The latest advice from the immigration advisor who originally helped Gleide apply is this:

"Hi Gleide and Julian

At the moment Gleide is on the 10 year route to settlement.

This means every 2.5 years she needs to apply for further leave until she has been here 10 years when she can apply to settle. The cost of applying is £2033 in total which is £1033 (for application) + £1000 (for the immigration health surcharge). Fees go up at around the 18th/20th of March every year. After this application Gleide would have to make two more applications for further leave (2.5 years) before being eligible to apply for settlement.

Given Julian that you are still on DLA you should be able to transfer to the 5 year route to settlement which would help a bit.

First you need to get all your papers together this includes;

Evidence that Gleide lives with you. Photos, letters from friends etc. You should arrange for Gleide to have a bank account, register with a dentist and GP etc.

Evidence Julian that you are on DLA (most recent letters)

12 months bank statements of which 1 month MUST show the DLA

Gleide’s passport/ID card

Tenancy Agreements/Council tax/electricity and gas bills etc. Everything should cover the last 12 months.

Gleide if you have taken any paid work you should include your wage slips etc.

The application process has been simplified and is online. You need to pay the health surcharge first and then they issue a reference number which you input.

Documents are then sent to Sheffield. You cannot apply before 28 days of the expiry of your leave. Let me know when you have everything."

.......................................