A DETERMINED mother has re-started her walk from Cork to the Dáil in a desperate bid to access medicinal cannabis for her seriously ill little girl.
Vera Twomey, from Aghabullogue near Coachford, had previously abandoned plans to travel on foot to Dublin to confront Minister for Health Simon Harris about the urgency of her six-year-daughter Ava’s situation, in the wake of a phonecall from the minister who vowed to help the family.
Vera Twomey, walking from Cork to Dublin, to try and gain access to Medicinal Cannabis for her daughter Ava, in Mallow Co. Cork. Vera Twomey and her husband Paul. Picture: Jim Coughlan.
However, Vera, speaking today from Kildorrery, north Cork, as she headed to Cahir, said she was forced to revert to the drastic measure yesterday, following a refusal by the HSE last week to approve the drug for Ava, her six-year-old who suffers from Dravets syndrome which manifests itself through multiple epileptic fits and seizures on a daily basis.
Vera said that while the ‘Charlotte’s Web’ cannabis oil is not a cure for the condition it has already offered significant hope for her daughter. Dozens of people from the community and beyond have joined Vera on the walk as a show of solidarity.
“We have had (Dublin) Anti-Austerity Alliance TD, Gino Kenny travel by train specially to join us. TD Pat Buckley also said he’ll be walking with us. Those accompanying us on the journey have been from all walks of life, from a nurse in the Mercy, to childcare workers and children with special needs.”
She reiterated that the fight has only just begun. “Simon Harris said he hasn’t met with any person as many times as me,” Vera said.
Mum Vera Twomey with Ava at their home in Co. Cork. Picture: John Delea.
“However, I’m not going for records. All I want is to get help for my daughter. I’ve had to walk out on my family just to get justice for my child, which is completely unacceptable. There is a time for meetings and a time for practical action. This is most definitely a time for practical action.
“We have already found the answer. All the minister has to do is make this happen. If this can be achieved he will be remembered for doing a wonderful thing.
“This isn’t just about Ava anymore. This for so many people out there suffering from unending conditions, from cancer to MS. If Ava’s name could even be associated with bringing about this change I will be very proud.”
She hopes that her message will continue to resonate with people across Ireland.
“The same-sex marriage referendum showed that we are a forward-thinking nation but I think that even more respect should be shown when it comes to saving people’s lives. “
Vera has been overwhelmed by support on her Facebook post.
“A message I posted asking for a simple “yes” to this cause was met with 3,550 comments. The support has been really overwhelming.”
The post “All I want is to get help for my daughter. I’ve had to walk out on my family just to get justice for my child” appeared first on Evening Echo.