British mother and her young son who suffers from epilepsy are homeless on the streets of LA after traveling there for treatment which is unavailable in the UK

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A desperate mother has revealed she is having to sleep rough on the streets of Los Angeles because of the mounting hospital bills to keep her son alive.

Charlotte Caldwell and her 11-year-old son Billy, from Castlederg, in Northern Ireland, are living in LA so he can receive pioneering treatment for his life-threatening form of epilepsy. 

Billy is taking cannabis oil containing Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis, to reduce the frequency and severity of his seizures. 

The treatment is illegal in his native country.

However he took an unexpected turn a fortnight ago and was placed in an induced coma.

He survived but he and his mother are now having to sleep rough as she cannot afford the mounting medical costs.

Charlotte Caldwell and her 11-year-old son Billy, from Castlederg, in Northern Ireland, are living in LA so he can receive pioneering treatment for his life-threatening form of epilepsy

Billy was diagnosed with epilepsy as a baby and suffered up to 100 seizures a day. His mother said that at eight months, he was sent home to die by doctors in Belfast. 

After researching the internet, she found a form of treatment on offer in the US not available in Northern Ireland. 

She raised enough money to take him to the US eight years ago under Chicago-based epilepsy specialist, Dr Douglas Nordli, and he spent another two years in Oxford. 

During that time, Billy learned to walk and his seizures were brought under control and so he returned to Northern Ireland.

Billy's mother described their situation as 'horrendous' - saying we're isolated from friends and family...we're like refugees' 

However, after almost eight years, the seizures returned in summer.

Ms Caldwell tried to access treatment for her son in Northern Ireland, Britain and France, but the waiting lists were too long and so they went back to the US.

Two weeks ago Billy's condition became critical and he was rushed to hospital after suffering three seizures in a day.

He survived but with medical bills spiraling, Billy's devoted mother could no longer afford the cost of their accommodation in LA.

Billy and his mother are now living on the streets because they cannot afford the medical bills

Writing on the Facebook page 'Keep Billy Alive', she said: 'Me and Billy went and bought a tent, camping cooker and sleeping bags to equip ourselves for the unthinkable...being homeless in LA.'

She added: 'We're in a horrendous situation. We're isolated from friends and family here. We're like refugees.'   

Describing the latest setback she said: 'He had three seizures and he was in a terrible state. I took him to the doctor and they told me to get him to A&E.

'They did all the tests and think that the seizures had just taken so much out of his wee body, he had nothing left.'  

She added: 'I hate, hate Epilepsy, the brutal condition that has caused my wee man to fight for his life again.

'It's that horrible heart wrenching frustration, even though the medical team here in LA are world ranking specialists, I can pray my heart out for his healing, but his wee body and soul must fight it on his own. I would not wish this on any parent.'  

Doctors in the US believe Billy needs surgery to become seizure-free but the operation could affect his memory and ability to speak. 

Ms Caldwell said: 'Billy's medical bills are mounting here in Los Angeles and we desperately need help so Billy can have the treatment to keep him alive. We are in desperate need of help.'  

But she revealed today the North's health minister Michelle O'Neill is due to make contact, adding: 'Praying she will help! 

The family have set a goal of raising £300,000 ($375,000) through the Keep Billy Alive Facebook page.

They have so far raised £62,000 ($77,000).