Local Moycarkey / Borris correspondent Mr Gerry Bowe reports on Vera Twomey’s protest walk through Co. Tipperary :-
“Our parish of Moycarkey / Borris, on Thursday last, welcomed M/s Vera Twomey. Here she was met with open arms by a number of parish people, representing the feelings of the local community, to demonstrate full support for her on her journey.
Vera, as everyone knows, is walking from Cork to Dublin to meet Fine Gael TD and Minister for Health, (since May 2016), Mr Simon Harris; seeking medical support for her beautiful, six year old daughter Ava. Ava who suffers from a rare form of epilepsy called ‘Dravets Syndrome’, latter a rare genetic epileptic encephalopathy (dysfunction of the brain) which today remains drug resistant. At present little Ava is experiencing up to 40 seizures a day, resulting in her family living in continued desperation; with medicinal cannabis oil the only known possible help available.
In her efforts to highlight Ava’s condition and persuade the Minister for Health to sign off on the use of ‘Medicinal Cannabis Oil’, Vera continued her epic walk from Cork, through Cashel on Thursday to Littleton, with a large number of locals who walked in solidarity with her. On Friday morning she was in Littleton national school and was given a guard of honour by school kids and parents, seeing her off on the next leg of her journey to Johnstown.
After a very emotional and empowering speech given by School Principal Mr Christy Clancy; 5th and 6th class walked with Vera, Brian & Gino, in horrific weather conditions, to the end of the bicycle path, where they again wished her well on her journey. In a show of further solidarity, Vera continued to be accompanied by a large number of parishioners on foot, walking to beyond Mary Willie’s pub at Longford Pass, Thurles, Co. Tipperary along the R639 route.”
Mr Bowe reports that he found Vera Twomey a very humble but determined lady, who instantly clicked with everyone she met; while showing immeasurable gratitude. Hopefully Vera will get the result she needs to bring home to Cork and to Ava, on Tuesday next.
All support shown for Ava and Vera is greatly appreciated and all details, petitions etc., can be found here by clicking on her Facebook.
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