Linnvale mum Tracey Williams fights to have husband by her side during cancer battle

Tracey Williams, 47, who has lived in Mexico for almost 20 years, was diagnosed with incurable secondary breast cancer in June while visiting her elderly parents in Linnvale.

She has been receiving treatment locally but her husband Efrain has been denied a long-stay visa and is stuck in Cancún, where the pair met in 2001.

The former holiday rep told the Post: “It’s hard. I want to tell him everything but I don’t want to worry him when he can’t be here to support me.”

Tracey was first diagnosed with cancer in 2013. She was then successfully treated in Scotland using chemotherapy and radiotherapy over three years and was given the all-clear before returning to Mexico.

She added: “This time it’s much worse. The cancer has been escalated to secondary, so there is no cure. They aren’t sure if it started in my breast or lung and my chemo has been delayed because I now need an op to remove fluid from my lungs.”

During Tracey first cancer battle, Efrain made an application for a visa, to work in the UK and support his family while his wife received cancer therapy.

His application and subsequent appeal were denied, as the Home Office stated he could not come without the prospect of a job which paid more than £18,000.

This was despite the family paying more than £1,500 for his initial application and appeal – and the promise of a job when he arrived.

Now, Tracey is pleading with the UK Government to support his right to work in the UK, as well as to remain in the country for longer than six months.

Their three young daughters have also told how they need their dad, who they have not seen since last June.

Eldest daughter Gabriella, 12, told the Post: “We have not seen our dad for eight months and we miss him very much because he is not allowed in this country. We need his help, our mum is sick.”

Read more: Inside the Drumchapel Men Matter group tackling mental health amid suicide epidemic

Martin Docherty-Hughes, Clydebank’s MP, told the Post he will highlight Tracey’s case with Preiti Patel, home secretary, in a bid to reunite the family.

He said: “My heart goes out to Tracey and her children who are facing the adversity of a cancer diagnosis without the support of their husband and father.

“This case once again highlights how the Tory UK government’s hostile approach to immigration is tearing families apart.

“All too often the UK Home Office’s harsh family visa rules are shown to lack compassion, humanity and common sense.

“I intend to raise this case with the home secretary and will do all I can to ensure the family has the support they need at this difficult time.”

The family is currently staying with Tracey’s parents Terence and Susan, aged 81 and 70, and Tracey and Gabriella are having to share a bed.

The mum is scheduled to undergo an operation to drain fluid from her lungs, before beginning chemo and hopes she will be able to secure housing for her and her girls to live as normally as possible.

However, Clydebank Housing Association (CHA) has reportedly told her that she is not a high priority case and could wait up to a year to be housed.

A spokeswoman for CHA said applicants can appeal if they feel their case “was not dealt with to their satisfaction”.

The 47-year-old has tried to remain in high spirits, as she thanked her friends and family for their exceptional support.

She also praised her advanced breast nurse at the Beatson for her unwavering support.

Tracey’s younger daughter’s Sofia, aged seven, and Nicole, 10, are currently attending Linnvale Primary and Tracey thanked the staff for supporting her girls.

The impact of eight months without their dad has been upsetting for her daughters, as they came to the UK for a holiday and now face months of supporting their mother through treatment.

Nicole said: “I miss my daddy, and I wish he was here with me, to help me and give me cuddles.”

Sofia added: “I wish he was here with us.

“Please help us to get our daddy here.”