The mother of Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherds eight-year-old son has opened up about the one in a million genetic illness that the youngster suffers with, which leaves him with crippling seizures.
Jack, who plays David Platt in the ITV soap, conceived Greyson with Sammy Milewski back in 2010, when they had a one night stand during his relationship with his former girlfriend Lauren Shippey. Jack has never met Greyson, but has been paying child maintenance after having a DNA test.
Sammy has revealed that after fighting for over two years for it, her son is now having treatment which includes cannabis oil and she is hopeful that the symptoms of his condition alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) will ease.
What is AHC?
Affecting approximately one in one million people, AHC is named for the transient episodes, often referred to as attacks or episodes, of hemiplegia from which those with the disorder suffer. These hemiplegic attacks can cause anything from mild weakness to complete paralysis on one or both sides of the body, and they can vary greatly in duration.
Ocular motor abnormalities, including myoclonic limb movements and abnormal posturing,are common symptoms and can occur months before the hemiplegic attacks. Approximately 50% of those with AHC will also suffer from epilepsy.
The cause of AHC is not currently known and there is no known cure. In the long term, AHC is debilitating due to both the hemiplegic attacks and permanent damage associated with AHC. This damage can include cognitive impairment, behavioral and psychiatric disorders, and various motor impairments. There is not yet any conclusive evidence that AHC is fatal or that it shortens life expectancy.
Treatment includes medication and management strategies to avoid known triggers of symptoms.
Speaking to the Mirror, Sammy said: I have been fighting for two years for Greyson to be prescribed cannabis oil and doctors assure me they will give it the go-ahead by the end of November. Weve tried absolutely everything and I hope this is the answer.
If you saw what Greyson goes through on a daily basis, its heartbreaking. I dont want to have to keep him cooped up, its really sad for him. I just want him to lead the happy life he deserves.
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Sammy explained that she has not yet told Greyson that Jack is his dad and added that she will tackle that when the time comes. She explained: Greyson has asked about mummies and daddies, but not in depth. When I come to that bridge Ill cross it. We try to avoid Coronation Street but Greyson likes Emmerdale – it comes on just before his bedtime.
Metro.co.uk have reached out to Jacks representation at ITV who gave no comment.
Greysons access to cannabis oil treatment comes after a recent change in the law means that specialist doctors can now prescribe it.
Jack is currently in a relationship with Hanni Treweek. He has two other children with Lauren – Nyla, age nine and Reuben,five.
MORE: Coronation Street spoilers: Horror for Mary Taylor as she is violently attacked by Jude Appleton
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