Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Thousands sign petition
12yr-old has first seizure in 19 months
BILLY Caldwell has suffered his first seizure in 19 months.
The 12-year-old, who has intractable epilepsy, had missed four of the tiny doses of medicinal cannabis prescribed to him in Toronto.
His mum Charlotte, 50, had a six-month supply of Tilray oil confiscated as she arrived at Heathrow Airport from Canada on Monday.
Just 12 hours later, Billy had a seizure.
He cannot come out of the fits himself and must be medicated with heavy-duty drugs and oxygen to bring him around.
Charlotte, from Castlederg, Co Tyrone, said: “Thank God he survived.
“Billy was taking the oil prescribed to him and suffered no seizures. One day without his oil, four doses missed and he suffered his first seizure.
“The longer his body has to cope without the oil, the more likely he is to seize again and the more likely it will be a longer and deeper seizure. And each one could be deadly.”
A spokesman for the Home Office said on Sunday: “It is important medicines are thoroughly tested to ensure they meet rigorous standards.” THOUSANDS of people have signed an online petition to support Billy Caldwell.
If you wish to add your name go to www.change. org/p/governmentgovernment-stopsnorthern-ireland-boymedication.
A spokesman said: “Please help Billy and other children like him get the treatment they deserve.
“Support Charlotte and Billy every step of the way and show the Government we are not backing down.”