THE family of medical cannabis crusader Dan Haslam has publicly thanked the people of Dan’s hometown Tamworth – and the rest of the country – for their compassion and support.
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In a heartfelt and compelling note, Dan’s mum Lucy, the major flagbearer for the Haslam fight to legally allow people with terminal illnesses to use medical cannabis for their pain treatment, has spoken out again to say thank you.
“I would like to express my sincere thanks to the people of Tamworth and beyond for
the overwhelming support shown to our son Dan Haslam,” Lucy has said in a message to The Leader for wider publication.
Dan, 25, lost his long battle with bowel cancer and died on February 24. His plight and his fight touched the hearts and souls of thousands.
“Dan and I spoke out publicly in favour of legalising medicinal cannabis for people with terminal and serious illness,” Lucy said.
“He risked his reputation for a cause our family all believe in, following his experience with medicinal cannabis and the incredible relief it gave him from cancer treatment side effects.
“This was when conventional treatments had failed. It was a last resort and consequently, when it gave relief, it was worth fighting for.
“Rather than vilifying us for advocating use of an illegal drug, the community, including The Northern Daily Leader, showed us incredible empathy and supported our campaign.
“We are now at a point where we have the support of the NSW Premier Mike Baird and the federal government will consider a bill for medicinal cannabis this year.
“We have already made some good inroads with clinical trials to take place soon and the Terminal Illness Access Scheme now in place in NSW.
“I expect that we will see much more meaningful progress in the near future.
“Many politicians now realise that the Australian people are compassionate and understand the difference between recreational drug use and use of cannabis as a medicine for people who are suffering needlessly.
“Daniel’s memorial was attended by hundreds from the local community and around Australia, including many senior politicians and well-known media.
“This turnout, and the many sympathy cards and floral tributes, were very comforting to Dan’s wife Alyce, his brothers Luke and Billy, and to his father Lou and I.
“We thank you so much for helping us as we try to come to terms with the loss of our beautiful Dan who was a truly remarkable young man.
“I am very proud to say he made a difference to many other sick Australians he didn’t know, but nevertheless cared about.”