Charlie Elphicke, the Conservative MP for Dover and Deal, said he was taking up Mrs Smith's case with the immigration minister.

BBC: Border Agency's visa renewal delay angers grieving woman

Mrs Smith's family, including her parents Alan and Norma Smith, released a statement in which they described her as "an exceptional person, loving and caring to everyone".

BBC: Pudsey mother and children 'died from stab wounds'

Mrs Smith's husband, Richard, 37, had died from smoke inhalation.

BBC: Pudsey murders: Chief Constable's 'sadness' over deaths

Mrs Smith's concerns about the attitude of some Triage staff comes as a survey of charities and other organisations recruited to back up the 18 main providers conducted by the BBC found that many do not feel the Work Programme is delivering.

BBC: Disabled parking spaces

Mrs Gillan disputed Mr Smith's view of a meeting held on the subject.

BBC: Cheryl Gillan's sofa government cushions the cost

Mrs Smith, who had already cycled from Land's End to John O'Groats three years ago, said she has kept going thanks to "painkillers and pints".

BBC: Marion Smith on her 1,120-mile walk

Mrs Smith said not being able to attend her grandfather's funeral had been "devastating".

BBC: Border Agency's visa renewal delay angers grieving woman

Kinder Scout, a hill in Derbyshire's Peak District, was one location where Mrs Smith encountered snow and freezing conditions.

BBC: Marion Smith on her 1,120-mile walk

Mrs Smith said she was still hoping to fly to New Zealand for the scattering of her grandfather's ashes.

BBC: Border Agency's visa renewal delay angers grieving woman

Mr and Mrs Smith plan to take him to Chicago in April to see Dr Issam Awad, the world's leading specialist in the condition.

BBC: Zane Smith

MRS. SMITH: Hi, my name is Annie Smith, and my son, Jared Smith, he's special needs, and I'm sure he'd like to talk to you.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House