Tim Loughton MP expressed his support for 6 year old Alfie Dingley and his family in their quest to secure access to medical cannabis to help alleviate the symptoms of Alfie's very rare and sever epilepsy. Alfie is one nine boys in the world with a genetic condition which causes him to suffer up to 150 life-threatening seizures per month. The only treatment available in the UK is IV steroids which doctors say are causing him mental and physical harm resulting in premature death.
Speaking at the event I attended in Parliament recently, Alfie's mother, Hannah Deacon said:
"We have been so moved by the outpouring of support from people the length and breadth of Britain. And we have been heartened by the support of MPs and members of the House of Lords from across party lines. When we took Alfie to Holland we say with our own eyes that medical cannabis works for him, cutting his seizures down to just one or two less severe ones per months which could be controlled at home.
"Access to the oil meant Alfie had the quality of life he deserves, and we were able to be a normal family, not gripped by fear of the next life-threatening seizure. The delay in securing the Home office licence that Alfie needs is putting his life at risk. Since we returned from Holland last month he has already been hospitalised three time. We're very grateful to Tim for his support."
Tim said:
"Alfie is one of the only individuals in the world suffering from this specific condition who may benefit from such a treatment. As such I hope that common sense can prevail and an allowance can be made on the basis that it will not set a precedent that many other may pursue. I have just been told that Alfie’s family are coming to Parliament soon and I will endeavour to try to meet them to discuss further.
"I sympathise deeply with the difficult situation faced by Alfie Dingley and his family. It is only natural that parents of a child who is in pain would try to alleviate their suffering in any way possible. I know that the Policing Minister wants to explore every option and has met with Alfie's family to discuss treatments that may be accessible for him. No decisions have been made and any proposal would need to be led by senior clinicians using sufficient and rigorous evidence."