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Teagan Appleby mum Emma of Aylesham nominated for Awesome Parent award

13:50, 16 September 2022

updated: 13:52, 16 September 2022

A woman who has battled for life saving treatment of her epileptic child has become a finalist in a parenting award.

Emma Appleby, of Milner Crescent, Aylesham, is on shortlist with three others for an Awesome Parent award.

Emma Appleby with her daughter Teagan. Library image
Emma Appleby with her daughter Teagan. Library image

The citation for her explains how Ms Appleby had fought tirelessly and successfully campaigned in getting medicinal cannabis legalised to help her child's condition in 2018.

It says: "She has continued to fight and campaign to get this available on NHS. She has to fundraise £2,000 every month to pay for a private prescription of the life saving medicine for her daughter."

Ms Appleby told Kent Online: " I feel extremely privileged to be even thought of in this way. I'm just doing what any parent would do for their child,

"I am in no way expecting to win, but to have the opportunity to spread Teagan's story to a wider audience would be absolutely amazing and an opportunity I cannot afford to ignore."

Wheelchair-bound Teagan, now 13, was born rare genetic condition called Isodicentric 15 and epilepsy can come as part of this.

Emma Appleby: "I don't expect to win the award.". Library picture: Chris Davey for KMG
Emma Appleby: "I don't expect to win the award.". Library picture: Chris Davey for KMG

Previously it led to up to as many as 300 seizures a day but the use of cannabis-derived medication has brought that down to less than 10 a day and keeps her alive.

UK law was changed to allow this from November 2018 but Teagan's family have to find around £2,000 a month for her medication, which is often done through fundraising.

This award, called Bloody Awesome Parent, is organised by a group called My Family, Our Needs.

This supports parents and carers who look after children and young people with additional needs, such as for support for a disability.

Ms Appleby will attend the awards ceremony, which is in Leicester on November 2.

You can vote in these awards via myfamilyourneeds.co.uk/baps/bloody-awesome-parent-non-blogger/

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