Castlederg mum hoping to 'complete the journey' despite set-back

Charlotte Caldwell, who has been in LA seeking life-saving epilepsy treatment for her son Billy, vows to continue in spite of news of a less optimistic prognosis for the County Tyrone youngster.

Around three weeks ago, the latest news from young Billy's trip to the States had been one of hope.

Doctors said he was a candidate for life-changing brain surgery which would rid the Castlederg boy of his epilepsy.

The family were awaiting the outcome of tests to determine the extent of surgery, and the outlook then was that Billy may have had the all-important procedure in a matter of weeks.

But the outcome of those tests have now come as a blow to mum Charlotte.

Examinations were carried out to determine the extent of lesions on Billy's brain - the prime cause of his intractable epilepsy - the results of which have shown they're much "deeper than had been anticipated", meaning a more complicated procedure will be required.

"The lesion is much deeper than had been anticipated. It's on his left temporal lobe, which is deeper in - just above the left ear. It's a condition called mesial temporal sclerosis - so the procedure is going to be a lot more severe Billy," Charlotte told Q Radio News.

Charlotte stressed what that meant for her son's long-term health.

"It means that his temporal lobe will have to be removed and that means he would have to forfeit his memory and his speech. It'll save his life, because otherwise all that will happen is the lesions will manifest," Charlotte added.

Mum Charlotte says she's now determined to return home with Billy. She says she's gladdened by the support she's received from back home and that Billy's will to fight on is another reason for her to complete the journey for her young son.

"I just feel truly blessed that he's still here and he's still with us and he's still fighting. Nothing seems to phase him, he's always happy. I'm just hoping that with the help of the public we can see the journey to the end for Billy and that he survives. And that we get back to Northern Ireland, where we belong."

And you can keep up to date with Billy's progress in the United States via the Facebook page "Keep Billy Alive" and if you'd like to donate to the campaign you can do so by texting 'Keep81 £3.00' to 70070.

LISTEN: And you can hear the full interview with Charlotte Caldwell, as she updates Q Radio News on the latest on Billy's condition.