Charlotte and Billy Caldwell
THE mother of Billy Caldwell who uncontrollable epilepsy says other children with the condition should be allowed to try a form of cannabis oil.
Charlotte Caldwell claims her son is 21-days seizure free due to a form of medicinal cannabis.
Billy, who is 11, flew home from treatment in the US and into Dublin airport on Monday night.
At one point during their trip, Charolotte and Billy gave up their accommodation as they couldn’t afford the bill and also pay for his treatment.
Instead they bought a tent and camping equipment until they returned home.
The UK’s medicines regulatory body has said anyone considering the use of cannabis oil should discuss it with their doctor.
Ms Caldwell said that while she is not declaring that the oil is a cure, she wants all children who might benefit from it to be given a chance.
“What we have to remember is these are kids who have tried every other pharmaceutical drug that there is out there, cocktails of drugs, maybe four or five at the one time, and they are failing.
The product Billy is currently taking is CBD with a THC component.
Ms Caldwell was able to bring the medication back from the United States without being stopped by customs officials at Dublin Airport.
Billy has, at times, suffered as many as 22 seizures a month.
During his time in America, he suffered a seizure which left him in a coma.
Charlotte took to Facebook urging the public to pray for her son.
“We took him to L.A. because of the long waiting lists here.
“It’s a life-threatening form of epilepsy that he has, we had no choice but to go there.”
Ms Caldwell said the progress she had seen in her son was “absolutely amazing”.
“The seizures are brutal on a little boy,” she said.
“In the past weeks he has been more focused, had more eye contact, more social engagement, taking more interest in his books and toys.”
Gerald Heddell, from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said: “Our heart goes out to Billy, his family, and to everybody in a similar situation.
“MHRA has come to the opinion that products containing cannabidiol used for medical purposes are medicines.
“MHRA’s primary concern is patient safety, and to ensure the medicinal products people are buying meet safety, quality and efficacy standards.
“We would recommend that anyone using or considering the use of CBD oil should discuss this with their doctor or another healthcare professional.”
Billy Caldwell with the camping equipment his mum Charlotte bought after giving up their accommodation