WIDOWER Arnel Cabrera, whose visa runs out today, fears he would not be allowed back to the UK if he left.

Since his wife Mayra died at GWH during a bungled medical procedure in May 2004, his immigration status has changed.

And now Arnel, 38, is anxiously awaiting the result of a renewed visa application - prompting letters of support to the Home Office on behalf of the Filipino.

Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust chief executive Lyn Hill-Tout is among those who have pledged their support.

Arnel has been living with friends in Eldene since a jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing at Mayra's inquest in Trowbridge last month.

Mayra, 30, died an hour after giving birth to son Zac when a bag of Bupivacaine, an anaesthetic for epidural use only, was injected into her hand instead of her spine.

Lyn Hill-Tout, speaking on behalf of Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust, said: "I feel it is important in these circumstances to show support for Mr Cabrera and we hope that support like ours will help influence his case."

South Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove said: "I'm fully in support of Mr Cabrera in what is a highly sensitive case."

North Swindon MP Michael Wills and Swindon Council leader Rod Bluh have also given their backing to Arnel's appeal.

Wiltshire coroner David Masters has written to the Home Office insisting that Arnel be allowed to remain in this country.

He said at the end of the inquest: "The red tape should be cut and thrown away.

"It should be done quickly - sooner rather than later."

Arnel's solicitor Seamus Edney said: "A new application has been submitted and is pending but this could take weeks or even months.

"The ball really is with the Home Office now.

"I rate his chances as 50/50 - it really could go either way.

"We can't assume anything in this case.

"Arnel has not flown back to the Philippines to see his son yet as he feels if he leaves he might not be allowed back in."

Zac, now three, is being looked after by relatives in the Philippines.

Arnel, who lived in Liden with Mayra, wants to raise Zac in this country, as that was always his wife's wish.