MEDICAL cannabis crusader Lucy Haslam continues to win the support of her community as she fights to deliver on a promise to her son.
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Mrs Haslam has been bestowed with the Rotary’s top honour, a Paul Harris Fellowship, after she won the hearts of its members delivering an impassioned address.
She told of her promise to son Dan, who was thrust into the public spotlight after turning to the drug for relief during his battle with terminal bowel cancer.
On the first anniversary of his death in February 2015, the federal government passed legislation that would allow medicinal cannabis use by sick Australians.
Mrs Haslam was guest speaker at the national convention of the Recreational Vehicles Fellowship of Rotarians (RVFR) held in Tamworth last week, which drew about 100 people from across the country.
(Lucy Haslam) is very courageous. She’s had a lot of knock-backs, but she’s kept pushing her point after her son’s experience.
- Tamworth Rotarian Brian Chapman
So captivated was the audience with her story of courage that the group passed around a hat and raised almost $3000 to help her cause in just two days.
The RVFR then invited Mrs Haslam to return on Friday night to award her a Paul Harris Fellowship.
“Everyone was just so taken and bowled by her story,” Tamworth Rotarian Brian Chapman said.
“We passed a hat around and raised $2650.
“She’s very courageous.
“She’s had a lot of knock-backs, but she’s kept pushing her point after her son’s experience.
“She was very grateful.”
The money will go towards the not-for-profit group, United in Compassion, which Mrs Haslam established.
UIC, through education and patient support, hopes to promote Medicinal Cannabis as an acceptable treatment option.
Mrs Haslam was honoured to be awarded the fellowship honour.
She believed it was a sign that more people across the country were more open to learning about the benefits of the drug.
