A Scottish father battling terminal cancer is poised to reunite with his fiancée and daughter for what he hopes will be their “final Christmas” together. Adrian O’Grady, 42, recently diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Glasgow. His fiancée, Yanti, and their four-year-old daughter, Chloe, have been unable to travel from Bali to the UK due to visa complications.
Adrian’s heartbreaking plans to celebrate Christmas with his family faced significant challenges as Chloe’s visitor visa was delayed, leaving them in limbo and forcing the cancellation of their flights multiple times. The situation turned dire as Adrian’s condition worsened, with doctors revealing that the cancer had metastasized to his lungs, rendering it incurable.
Just hours after the situation gained media attention, the visa for Chloe was approved. Adrian expressed his relief, stating, “This means the world to me, and I’m just over the moon.” He acknowledged the emotional toll that the past weeks of uncertainty had taken on his family.
Adrian, who works as a DJ under the name DJ AJ O’Grady, has been dividing his time between Bali and the UK. He returned to Scotland last month, anticipating a festive reunion with Yanti and Chloe, who were scheduled to arrive on November 20. He spent nearly £10,000 to expedite their visas and arrange special flights for a six-week holiday.
While Yanti’s visa was processed without issue, Chloe’s approval lingered, leading to a series of five rescheduled flights. Adrian’s plea for understanding from the UK Home Office highlighted the urgency of their situation, emphasizing the desire for his family to be together during this critical time.
In a compassionate gesture, a specialist from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital wrote to the Home Office, advocating for Chloe’s visa approval. The letter underscored the gravity of Adrian’s diagnosis, stating, “This is a life-limiting diagnosis and the prognosis is poor.” The specialist urged that every effort be made to reunite the family.
The family received additional support from Singapore Airlines, which offered to credit their missed flights for future use. This assistance has been vital amid the family’s distressing circumstances.
As the visa approval marks a significant shift in their situation, Adrian remains focused on the upcoming holiday. “I just want my daughter here for Christmas,” he shared, reflecting on the emotional strain of the past few weeks. With plans now in motion for Yanti and Chloe to travel to Scotland, Adrian is filled with hope for their reunion during this precious time together.
