A MUM whose son died after becoming addicted to ketamine has been commended for her dedication in raising awareness of the drug.
Shielmor Twomey, of Henbury, started a campaign, called Ketamine Awareness – Caleb's Campaign, after her son Caleb Morris, dived from Clifton Suspension Bridge and died while under the influence of the horse tranquilliser.
Since his death two years ago, on January 28, 2010, Ms Twomey has fought for the drug to be upgraded from class C to class B.
She started a petition, spoke to youngsters in schools and colleges across the city and went to Downing Street to try to raise awareness.
Minister for crime prevention and anti-social behaviour reduction Lord Henley has now written to Ms Twomey commending her for her work.
In a letter, he says: "I commend your dedication to raise awareness of your family's tragic experience and to inform young people and those around them of the harms of ketamine."
Now Ms Twomey, who lives in Fitchett Walk, wants to thank the people of Bristol for signing her petition – which even saw her standing outside on cold December days collecting signatures.
"I would like to thank the people of Bristol who supported and signed the petition I handed over to Downing Street in June 2011," she said.
"I am proud to learn that I am a trailblazer in raising awareness as to the terrible damage ketamine has done to people misusing the street drug.
"I felt it was my responsibility to go out and talk with the public about ketamine, especially the young, and I did so with Caleb's name so that he would not be forgotten but remembered as a selfless wonderful son.
"I am delighted the Government is now taking ketamine seriously and decided to finally g et the information out to the public.
"I like to think Caleb, Caleb's friends and the public of Bristol were instrumental in this.
"I have enjoyed every single day, hour and minute campaigning – no matter what the weather I was out there on the streets with success in my mind.
"I live for the day that this street drug is reclassified in order to prevent another young life being taken through ignorance."
To find out more visit www.ketamineawareness-calebscampaign.org.uk.
Source: http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Mum-lost-son-drug-hailed-campaign/story-16291014-detail/story.html
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