Team Member

Since 2019 Matt has been campaigning for NHS access to medical cannabis.

Charlie, Matt’s son, was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy when he was only ten weeks old in September 2017.  Since Charlie received a private prescription for medical cannabis in May 2019 there has been a notable decrease in seizure frequency of 85% and much improved quality of life.

In 2020 Matt and his wife brought a legal challenge against NICE after their local trust refused to prescribe CBPMs stating NICE guidance as the reason. Through their challenge, in March 2021, NICE published a new clarification to prescribing for clinicians.

In collaboration with Hannah Deacon, Matt formed Medcan family foundation, having felt there was a gap in education for parents, carers and families.

When I first started out researching cannabis for my son Charlie in treating his refractory epilepsy, nothing central was available in the UK and it was really difficult to find the right information.

I felt there was a gap to fill in having a central forum to educate and inform parents and carers so they can work with their doctors to make informed decisions on their loved ones care. To provide a safe space for parents and carers to ask questions about medical cannabis and feel confident to advocate for their child or family members health care needs.