Two days ago, after tirelessly campaigning on behalf of their children, all with severe intractable epilepsy the 17 families gathered in Westminster to have their voices heard. Weeks of media and social networking activity by the parents and our supporters saw almost 8000 emails sent to MPs urging them to meet the families and asking the Secretary of State to do the same on the 19th of March. These families have stopped at nothing to try and gain access to medical cannabis so their children can try the medicine that could give them the quality of life they deserve.

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During the parliamentary drop-in event we welcomed over 80 MPs who came to lend their support and learn more about their struggles and what access to medical cannabis under prescription could mean for their families. The room was packed of MPs and journalists that were all visibly moved and determined to support the families.

The MP’s signed letters and agreed to make personal representations to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock urging him to address this crisis and help these families end their suffering.

Mr. Hancock, the person with the power to address the crisis of implementation that is blocking these families access attended the event and delivered a speech to the packed room after listening to the families stories.

He said: “I want to hear directly from you but let’s try and work together on this and I understand the frustration and the pain and how difficult it is and I can’t imagine how, especially when it’s there within your grasp and when we all thought this was solved in the autumn and it’s become harder rather than easier”

After the event, the families joined forces and marched silently down Whitehall holding photos of their children before arriving outside Downing Street to the frenzy of media activity ahead of the petition hand in. At 3pm 5 of the families passed through the gates of Downing Street to hand deliver our change.org petition signed by over 571,000 in support of our campaign to the Prime Minister.

This campaign was for you Nathaniel, Fallon, Teagan, Louis, Lloyd, Indie-Rose, Evelina, Kayleigh, Eddie, Bailey, Jorja, Maya, Zak, Dylan, Charlie, Ben and Murray. And for all the other patients in the UK that are being cruelly denied access to medical cannabis despite it being legal now.

We will continue to keep fighting until these children receive the care they deserve.

Thank you to all our dedicated supporters.

With love from Hannah and everyone at End Our Pain x