At the end of last year I lost my friend Emily who took her own life after battling with M.E. for a number of years. 

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is a poorly understood condition. The severity and longevity of its symptoms vary but it is a chronic condition that causes oscillating illness that effects multiple bodily systems, particularly the nervous and immune systems. An estimated quarter of a million people suffer it in the UK.

Emily's symptoms appeared not too long after an at-speed cycling collision in Manchester. This left her hospitalised with head injuries. By the time of her diagnosis of M.E. in the period that followed her accident, her initial problems with fatigue and muscle and joint pain had gradually extended to the 'severe' end of the spectrum. 

M.E. began playing havoc with Emily's professional (a happy policewoman and alternative therapist) and personal life. In her final year she was unable to get out and about without a wheelchair and her family spent a great deal of extra time caring for her. Given how independent, active and sociable Emily had been prior to her illness, this change hit her extremely hard. 

There is much debate on the diagnostic criteria for M.E., the factors which cause and sustain it, and how the condition might be combatted. Treatment is currently quite limited but can be successful following the principles of what is known as "pacing". As the condition remains little understood, considerable stigma remains attached to it. As well as being a major research funder, Action For M.E. work to tackle stereotypes and act as a site of support and advocacy for those suffering the condition. 

This is why I'll be raising money for the charity by doing the Great North Run again this year. I' hoping to match or beat last year's time of 01:47:39s and have upped the training over the summer before or after work as I did last year.

Thanks again to those of you who supported my fundraising for Prostate Cancer in 2014. If you can donate a bit to the cause again this year then please do so. Having a few people on the sidelines of the route to cheer me on is another way you can help. GNR is on Sunday 13th. 

You can find out more about M.E. and my chosen charity here:

http://www.actionforme.uk.org. 

Graeme

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