This is why I'm raising money to buy illegal drugs for my son

19 year-old Alfie Keogh, of Bute Avenue, North Shore, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Spindle Cell Synovial Sarcoma in August 2019.

The cancer was so aggressive that he was told by doctors at Chorley Hospital he had less than three months to live.

Now, Alfie's mum and three older siblings Anna-Rose, Michael and Joseph, are hoping to raise money for CBD and THC oils in a bid to manage his pain and improve his condition, despite THC oil currently being illegal to purchase and use in the UK.

His mum Estelle Heathcote explained how she turned to the oils in a "desperate attempt" to save her son's life.

"I've spent every penny I have on this, I have nothing left. I think anyone would do the same to keep their child with them," she said.

"When Alfie was younger he had a lump in his right calf, which doctors told me was calcification, and he was in and out of Alder Hey children's hospital until the age of 16. Doctors told me if it was removed, it could have affected his muscle and his ability to walk again.

"He was in a lot of pain with it, he'd scream in agony when he walked. I took him to the emergency doctors in July 2019, who referred him to Blackpool Vic for scans.

"They referred him over to Chorley Hospital to see a sarcoma specialist there on August 20, and she knew as soon as she saw his leg what it was.

"We were told at Chorley that he had Spindle Cell Synovial Sarcoma cancer, and it had spread to his lungs, spine, and both shoulders. I just fell to the floor when they told us, I was absolutely heartbroken."

Mr Keogh, an ex St. Mary's Catholic Academy pupil and domestic assistant at Blackpool Vic, was told by medics at Chorley Hospital that his cancer had spread so aggressively and quickly throughout his body, that he had less than three months to live.

He was referred to The Christie Hospital in Manchester, where he began chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment in January 2020.

In a desperate bid to help her son, Estelle began to research cancer pain management, and with Alfie's agreement decided to begin using CBD and THC oils after "nothing else worked."

Estelle continued: "After taking the oils, Alfie's main tumour in his right calf shrunk to half the size. I truly believe these oils are cancer cures and they are saving his life, and I want to spread the word about this.

"Doctors at the Christie couldn't believe it, they told me it was his chemotherapy that shrunk the tumour but I am fully convinced it was the oils. He couldn't combat his sickness during his chemotherapy, so he took the oils afterwards.

"I've seen my son fading right before my eyes. But he always bounces back because of them and a strict diet plan he likes to follow.

"I wouldn't be doing any of this if I didn't believe they were going to save him. I've witnessed his energy levels and youthful spirit come back, he's so brave and full of determination and positivity.

"If we hadn't used these oils Alfie wouldn't be here now, but they're just so expensive. We set up a Go Fund Me page because I've spent everything I have."

Dr Michael Porter, a specialist and lecturer in molecular genetics and cell biology at UCLan's School of Medicine, urged caution in the use of CBD and THC products for medicinal purposes.

He said: “It is the dream of every doctor and scientist involved in cancer to see tumours shrinking. In this case the most likely explanation is that the chemotherapy thankfully worked well, rather than using cannabis oils.

"The THC and CBD found in cannabis may turn out to be a useful complementary treatment, alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but only in some cancers. In other cases the very limited evidence available suggests it may make the cancer worse.

"Currently research in this area has barely moved outside the laboratory. Using THC and/or CBD oil has shown some promise in stopping cancers spreading and even in stopping them growing. In other cases, however, it has stopped the body's own natural defences and had the exact opposite effect.

"At the moment cannabis derivatives are not available as a treatment for cancer, because their benefits are unknown and there is a high chance that they may actually make things far worse."

Alfie was discharged from the Christie after the Covid-19 pandemic took hold, with medics advising that he must self-isolate or risk catching the infection with such a weakened immune system.

His family are using protective equipment such as masks to ensure he is still able to spend time with his five month-old daughter Olivia-Rose Keogh, who was baptised with him at home in a joint ceremony following his cancer diagnosis.

He is now receiving palliative care from Trinity Hospice at his home.

What is THC oil?

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a type of cannabinoid, which are compounds found in cannabis plants. Cannabis is classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 as a class B drug.

Cannabinoids have varying concentration levels and affect different parts of the body.

THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid, more commonly known as the part which affects the brain and gives the sensation of being "high."

THC is a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act, but CBD (cannabidiol) is not, because it is not psychoactive.

CBD oil can be extracted legally in the UK from industrial hemp plants, as long as the THC concentration levels of the oil remains lower than 0.2% and the THC cannot be extracted from it easily.