Government cuts to disability benefits are creating terrible hardship for many thousands of people. For 40 years (diagnosed for 13 of them) Nicola Field has suffered from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, otherwise known as M.E., a chronic neurological condition characterised by exhaustion, weakness, long-term fatigue and other symptoms that severely limit her ability to carry out ordinary daily activities, such as using public transport or going to the supermarket.

She relies on Personal Independence Payments (PIP) which go some way to help cover the extra costs of living with this long-term, incurable illness. On Feb 15, 2018, following an assessment, her PIP was slashed. Among other things, this meant that she had to return the Motability car she relies on for getting to medical and other appointments. The car is very important to Nicola: it gives her the flexibility to travel when she feels strong enough, to preserve energy, and to retain her independence.

Nicola is a long-time activist. She was an original member of Lesbians and Gay Men Support The Miners, which was portrayed in the hit film ‘Pride’. Her car enabled her to speak at events and, among other things, to take part in the resistance to Tory cuts, to campaign for refugee rights and for Pride marches to retain their political content.

A car firm which specialises in helping disabled people who have had their benefits cut and their Motability cars removed are kindly offering to sell her a small car on hire purchase and a service/repair contract. To do this, she needs to raise £2000. This will cover the cost of insuring a back up driver, and of obtaining breakdown cover so she will not have to worry about being stranded.

If you are able, please consider making a contribution, however small. This will not only help Nicola, but will also help the many different causes and campaigns that she has poured so much time and energy into in the past. Please help us get Nicola back on the road!