Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BORIS IS ‘DEEPLY MOVED’ BY BILLY EPILEPSY BATTLE
PM expresses his admiration for Caldwells
EXCLUSIVE
BORIS Johnson says he was “deeply moved” by the plight of teenager Billy Caldwell during his battle to access medicinal cannabis as an NHS patient.
The Prime Minister took time out on Tuesday to write to Billy ’s mum Charlotte – and he congratulated the Caldwells on having the UK’S first NHS care plan for the controversial drug.
Mr Johnson wrote: “I sympathise deeply with those like Billy who are affected by drug-resistant epilepsy and other difficult to treat conditions.
“I completely understand how important it is that NHS patients are able to access the most effective treatments.
“I am glad to hear Billy has received a care plan for his epilepsy that is the first of its kind in the UK and I sincerely hope it is of great benefit to him.
“Furthermore, your story of how you have cared for Billy and how his illness had affected you, deeply moved me.
“I dearly hope his new treatment plan has eased your fears somewhat.” The Co Tyrone teenager had been at the centre of a battle for the alternative meds for four years and two years ago his plight attracted global focus after his oil was confiscated from his mum at Heathrow Airport as they returned from a medical trip in Canada.
After falling into potentially deadly back-to-back seizures, the meds were returned to Charlotte under special government measures.
And i n November 2018, the UK government changed the l aw on medicinal cannabis, but in the following two years no NHS doctor felt able to prescribe the medication due to the restrictions of the new law.
Charlotte’s fight for the life of her son continued and now the care plan and prescriptions are in place.
She explained: “Finding this letter in the post was a real surprise and I’m delighted.
“Underestimating a loving mum is a silly thing to do. I would never give up on Billy and nothing anyone could do to me would break me because I have to be here for him.
“This year I have gone from being reported to social services three times over my care of Billy to receiving a letter from the Prime Minister recognising my love and care for Billy.
“I think I’d describe that as a rollercoaster. Thankfully we are in a peaceful place right now and all I have to worry about is Billy’s welfare and health.”
Finding this letter in the post was a surprise. I’m delighted. I’d never give up on Billy CHARLOTTE CALDWELL YESTERDAY