LISTEN: Castlederg mum and son embark on 'Billy's buddies' 3,000 mile road trip

by Gráinne Connolly

Charlotte Caldwell and her son Billy will be heading off on 'Billy's Buddies Epic 3,000 mile Roadtrip on Monday, 5th February. 

Billy, also remembered as the "epilepsy warrior" was the first person in the UK and Ireland to be prescribed medicinal cannabis oil by an NHS doctor last April. 

It helps to keep his life threatening and potentially fatal seizures under control.

However, as the use of cannabis oil still remains illegal here, Charlotte's latest campaign is to reach out to the government again and get them to change their laws and legalise the drug. 

Charlotte tells Q Radio they'll be travelling the "length and breadth of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England" to deliver the Medicinal Cannabis Bill 'Billy's Law': 

So far, the bill to legalise medicinal cannabis here has received Cross Party support from Politicians and Parties in Northern Ireland. 

Enroute, Charlotte and Billy will be stopping and visiting the homes of other people throughout the UK and Ireland who need this medicine and sharing their story. 

Charlotte says she has "walked in their shoes" and that it's important they are heard: 

Charlotte is also encouraging members of the public to continue their support and donate to "Sponsor a bud", their charity that provides cannabis oil to low income families. 

The Just Giving page is linked below: 

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sponsor-abud-1

On Monday 5th February, "Billy's Buddies" roadtrip will head off to finish at Westminster on Wednesday 21st February. 

Details of some of their government visits are below: 

Stormont Send off - Monday 5th February 2.00pm. 

Leinster House Dublin - 8th February 11.00am 

Scotland Parliament (date to be confirmed) 

Welsh Parliament - 15th February 12.30pm. 

Westminster - 21st February 12.00pm. 

LISTEN - Q Radio's FULL interview by Gráinne Connolly with Charlotte Caldwell: