Letter to Costa Blanca News - July 18-24, 2008
Dear Editor,
Sixty-five years in England and I have never been on benefit. Ten months and 10 days in Spain my husband has just died and England doesn’t want to know – they won’t register his death.
We came in July last year, did everything we thought we should, like ‘residencia’, NIE, SIP card but because he died in Spain the authorities have disowned him.
So what about identity fraud and ancestry? There is a birth registered but no death. Also I can’t claim help with his burial because he died in Spain. Apparently if a Spanish gent died in England his widow could apply for £1000. Strange, isn’t it?
I thank God that I took out an Avalon funeral plan just weeks before his death and I can’t thank Roger from Avalon enough for his kind, understanding and sensitive but not gushing help and advice when I was so distraught.
True to his word, just one phone call after my husband passed away sorted everything for me including allowing four days for the service.
Without this it would have been just hours to his cremation by Spanish law, so my girls were able to get here for the service.
My thanks also to La Marina clinic for their support, medical advice and interpretation, also that all important cuddle when I needed it most.
I would like to thank “The Avenue”, La Marina, Lee, Elaine, Alma and Malcolm who accommodated 40 guests after the service at such short notice and provided wonderful food.
My son-in-law was a chef and a tutor at a college in England and he was impressed with the food standard and caring hospitality.
My thanks also to Andrew in the newsagents next door for his care of my grandchildren at this sad time.