Rejected BRP renewal HELP!!!!

[kateacf1]

I'm in a head spin. My BRP expired while I was stateside caring for a terminally ill sibling. Upon arrival in Heathrow, I was detained for approx. 5 hours in the lobby and then given a pat-down, fingerprinted, bio-metric scan preformed and my belongings locked away. I repeatedly explained to the Officer the details of the renewal expiration and carried in my hand printouts of expired BRP renewals from "in country" to show my intent to reply ASAP as well as letters from my siblings primary care physician.

My BRP card was taken from me and I was granted entry as a "visitor". I accepted the entry stamp as I had no other way to get to my home in Aberdeen.

I submitted the online renewal application and now am in position of being rejected because I "told" the Immigration Official I was here as a visitor. That's not what I said, that's what the official decided.

I have 14 days to appeal but am finding no clear help or forms on the Home Office site. Very ambiguous site. I've had my BRP since 2016 but the officer reviewing my application made no reference to my previous Leave being granted.

Should I try to appeal on my own, as my partner suggests, or obtain a Solicitor as I feel would be best?

Suggestions please. I'm in Aberdeen Scotland.

[CR001]

What visa or immigration status do you hold that the BRP expired??