British army veteran's children call on government to waive £27,000 NHS bill

Fiji-born Taitusi Ratucaucau told he is not eligible for free treatment due to immigration status

The children of a Commonwealth-born veteran, who is struggling to find 27,000 to pay for emergency surgery, have called on the government to waive mounting NHS and immigration fees.

Their public appeal came as the veterans' minister, Johnny Mercer, said he was making inquiries about the case of Taitusi Ratucaucau, which was revealed by the Guardian on Monday.