thanks Halltribe
you must be doing it tough.

My brother and his wife are Australians so wouldn't face the problems you are if they came home, but instead it looks like they will stay in the UK. At the moment my SIL has taking my niece to the Ukraine for some intensive treatment. Fortunately she is originally from Russia so she doesn't have a language problem.

Thanks for replying. Hope you've had a nice chrissy season.