£30,000 Raised for Wirral 'Local Legend' Denied UK Citizenship

Nelson Shardey, a 74-year-old retired newsagent who has lived in the UK for nearly 50 years, was moved to tears when he learned that strangers had raised over £30,000 to support his legal battle to remain in the country.

Described as a "local legend" in Merseyside, Shardey is challenging the Home Office's decision to refuse him indefinite leave to remain, despite his long-standing residence and work in the UK since 1977.

Shardey, originally from Ghana, arrived in the UK on a student visa at the age of 28. In 2019, he discovered he lacked British citizenship and had to apply for a 10-year settlement route. Although he was initially granted limited leave to remain in 2019, a mistake in a 2022 application led to its revocation, leaving him without legal status and without access to public funds or pension credits.

Expressing his gratitude, Shardey said he was "amazed" and "grateful" for the crowdfunded support: "I wasn't expecting that, so I would like to thank everyone who has donated to this fight. We are fighting for justice, and others affected should believe that justice will be done."

The legal challenge aims to overturn the Home Office's decision and the necessity of a 10-year probationary period, which would delay Shardey's eligibility for settled status until at least age 84. The fundraiser was launched to help his family cover the substantial legal fees if they lose the case.

Since the crowdfunding campaign began, the family has received an outpouring of support from friends, colleagues, and strangers. Shardey, who was honoured with the Mersey Marvel award in 2007 for saving a friend from a masked robber, is well-known in his community for running Nelson's News for over 30 years.

One supporter wrote: "Nelson is a credit to the community. Full support to the whole family."

Shardey shared that the supportive messages brought tears to his eyes: "Some of the things people were saying were marvellous." His son, Jacob, frequently updates him on the campaign's progress, to which Shardey responds, "Oh my lord, what an achievement."

Aaron, 30, admitted he was "terrified" before the campaign launch but is now "overwhelmed" by the support. "The energy was so contagious. It gave me, Jacob, and Dad the strength to carry on."

Jacob, 26, described the fundraiser as "uplifting," adding, "Knowing so many people are backing my dad is amazing."

If successful in their legal challenge, the family plans to donate the raised funds to Wirral Foodbank and the Boaz Trust, a charity supporting homeless asylum seekers.

Due to the ongoing legal proceedings, the Home Office declined to comment on Shardey's case.