We came here to start a new life. Then disaster hit our family
A couple who moved to Derby to start a new life have been hit with disaster. Ariene Vili, a 34-year-old nurse from the Philippines, suffered an aneurysm while six months pregnant, forcing her husband to give up work to look after her.
While partner Mark Sabrick Remigio Audea, 35, also a nurse, has since managed to secure a part-time job at a care home, the couple are in dire financial straits.
To make matters worse, Ariene gave birth while still in poor health, leaving Mark to hold together his family, look after his wife and work at the care home in whatever hours he has left.
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Ariene suffered the aneurysm in early May. With her imminent pregnancy, the couple were worried about their future and her recovery. Ariene was originally being treated at Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre, however she has since been moved to Royal Derby Hospital.
Since Ariene suffered the aneurysm, she has had to go through extensive brain surgery and has been on a long road to recovery. They have been relying on savings and donations in order to support their newborn baby, called Chase, as well as Ariene’s recovery.
The couple came to Derby originally as Ariene found work as a renal nurse at Royal Derby Hospital, however since her recovery she has been unable to work. The couple who are not yet British citizens can’t claim benefits, leaving them with no choice but to fundraise whilst going through this difficult time.
With the help of some friends and former colleagues, they have set up a GoFundMe in order to support them whilst Ariene recovers from her brain surgery.
Mark said: “I am taking care of everything, it's really hard, we are new here as well. We don’t have access to benefits. I didn’t work for almost three months, I don’t have enough savings to go forward. The bills, the rent, the food and the tax are very hard for us at the moment. I didn’t initiate the fundraiser. I just feel frustrated and hopeless. I have a son back home as well. I need to support him as well.”
The couple are both nurses and they met in a hospital back in the Philippines in 2013, however Mark has been unable to work as a nurse in the UK.
Mark added: “I’m very frustrated and disappointed, and I’m worried for my wife. She is moving around however she can’t move one of her legs properly. I just want things to be back to normal again.”
The couple live in the Kingsway area near the Royal Derby Hospital, originally moving there for its proximity to where Ariene works, however now it provides a valuable proximity to the hospital for Ariene’s care.
Mark has organised fundraising events for their financial situation however these have not been enough to help the family continue. Therefore Mark is urging anyone who can spare a donation to contribute to their situation. The link to Mark and Ariene's fundraiser can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/arienes-road-to-recovery.