An Angus woman fighting deportation has vowed to help others facing a similar fate.
Angela Faye Smith, 46, who is living illegally in Arbroath, has been left overwhelmed by the public support since her latest visa application was refused.
However, she has also been contacted by people in a similar situation who are also being threatened with deportation by the Home Office.
Ms Smith said: “Everything for a perfect conclusion is in the works at the moment in regard to our case.
“We will, however, continue to highlight other cases of Home Office atrocities because, as we have discovered, this is a problem which needs remedied.
“Now that I have become aware, I will do everything in my power to help others in a positive manner.
“The element of anger which I have been feeling must be taken out of the equation.
“I will transfer that energy from ‘anger towards Home Office’ into ‘love and empathy’ towards victims.”
Ms Smith’s solicitor, Jamie Kerr, has now formally lodged an appeal to the tribunal against the decision of the Home Office.
The Angus Council worker, originally from America, has lived in Arbroath since 2007 but has faced an ongoing battle to stay since separating from her husband.
Ms Smith is the primary carer for her 13-year-old daughter Ceilidh, who is a UK citizen.
The application was refused as the Home Office said there was no reason why Ceilidh could not remain in the UK with her father, Ms Smith’s ex-husband.
Ms Smith added: “As I have stated before, this is much bigger than just my case alone and since so many different stories have been coming my way.
“We must move forward with a positive frame of mind.
“We have had to make compromises but that doesn’t mean we will be giving in. We must not allow the stress to change our positive energies.”