A fresh campaign has been launched to help return medicinal cannabis to a girl with epilepsy, after her mother was stopped by Border Force officers yesterday and seized the medication.

Nine-year-old Teagan Appleby of Milner Crescent, Aylesham, suffers with a severe form of the disease, causing her have up to 300 fits a day.

The life-threatening condition had stabilised last year after she received cannabis-based medication at Evelina Children's Hospital, but it has since then proved difficult obtaining prescriptions, prompting the family to travel to Holland.

Scroll down to hear from Teagan's mum

This week, Emma Appleby attempted to bring back several weeks' worth of treatment for her daughter after visiting medics in Rotterdam, but the medication was confiscated by officials at Southend Airport.

She had told KentOnline how customs officers were 'sympathetic' to her, but explained they still had a job to do.

However, they assured Mrs Appleby that the drugs were only to be confiscated not destroyed, giving the family 'a glimmer of hope' that they could still access the life-changing oil if it is formally approved with a license.

She said: "I was heartbroken, even though I knew there was a chance it could happen."

When Mrs Appleby asked officers how they knew, they said they have received a tip off on social media.

Now, a new campaign page has been launched on Change.org to release Teagan’s medicinal cannabis.

The petition, which was only launched yesterday, has already received 7000 signatures.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid announced in October that cannabis could be medically-prescribed by neurologists and other specialists. It was legally allowed on prescription in the UK from November 1.

While it is legal to buy in Holland it remains illegal to ship it back to the UK.

Mrs Appleby added that the severity of the matter needs to be acknowledged: "People aren't convinced how serious this is.

"I understand people think I'm silly for broadcasting it, or silly for thinking I'd get it through, but I did it for the reason that people need to be aware of what us as parents are being forced to do.

"I did this for all of us - not just for my daughter, but all the children that actually cannot afford to do this."

To support the new petition, visit the page on Change.org.

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