Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BE A BUDDY AND HELP OTHER KIDS LIKE BILLY
Call to donate cash for cannabis oil
THE family of Billy Caldwell were overwhelmed by the support given during their own battle but now they need the public’s help again.
In April the 12-year-old became the first person in the UK to be prescribed medicinal cannabis on the NHS after a long fight by mum Charlotte.
Now the youngster, from Castlederg, Co Tyrone, is the poster boy for Billy’s Bud, the brainchild of a Us-based Fermanagh man whose firm 710 Holdings is making the specialist cannabis oil.
But in a bid to help others the family yesterday launched Sponsor A Bud, which is a grant system to help low-income families access the product for free.
Charlotte, 49, said: “People will be able to go on to our website and donate or apply.
“We have a committee who will be looking after donations and looking at the grant applications to see who qualifies.
“I scoured the globe to get Billy the right treatment and as a single mum with a special needs child I understand and appreciate how the cost of CBD oil can be out of reach.
“There are a lot of people we can help by providing this oil and it is our way of giving back and saying thank you to those who supported us.
“If we can help even one more child or adult then our job is done.”
Billy came to the attention of 710 Holdings when he was treated in the US for life-threatening epilepsy. He was given cannabis oil by the firm and it will ensure he has access to the care he needs for the rest of his life. To find out more visit www.billysbud. com.