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Isobel, now aged 18, has been suffering from a long-term debilitating illness Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E) or commonly known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) for 7 years, she was 11 years old when diagnosed.

During Isobel's first year at High School she suffered with numerous throat infections/tonsillitis.  In November 2011 she had a very bad episode of tonsillitis and never recovered.  This was the last time she attended school full time.

From being an active child enjoying activities such as:  playing tennis, swimming, school hockey team, school netball team; being a member of the local girls football club (Brayton Belles); socialising with friends; going shopping or having sleep overs and being a member of the local Girl Guides.  All of this abruptly stopped.  Isobel struggled with basic daily activities e.g. dressing, washing, walking/standing for periods of time and attending school. Isobel sleeps for 15 to 18 hours per day, every day!  She attended school for approx. 8 hours per week from January 2012 until July 2016.  Isobel was unable to successfully secure a college place on her chosen course.  Isobel now uses a wheelchair to get around and is dependant on others to take her out.  Isobel is mostly house bound and at times bed bound for long periods.

It has taken a frustratingly long length of time to secure an on line learning course to continue in education, this has left her socially isolated from her peers.  This has had a detrimental impact on her mental health.

When/if Isobel attends any social activities this can see her 'crash' and can take days and at times weeks to recover.

Isobel suffers with headaches/migraines every single day a hood day will see her scoring it 6/10. Isobel  has developed a tremor on her left side

Isobel has dreams and aspirations just like any other young person, one day she would like to become a make-up artist and she will get there, it will just take time.

Isobel once described suffering with M.E as living in a snow globe; you are looking out, watching the world carry on and if you try to join in its like someone has come along and given it a good shake; it then takes time for things to settle down and return to her 'norm'.

M E is a much misunderstood illness.  It does not discriminate against age, sex or race.  The reality of having this illness is that doctors can only tell you what's wrong.  They can't tell you what to do about it, there is no magic pill to take, they can not tell you how long you will be ill or even if you will ever recover.  The Education Service does not understand or know how to support the young sufferers of M.E. This is because M.E.is a complex illness and medical research is severely underfunded. Now that Isobel has turned 18 she will loose the support of regular appointments with her paeditrican and there is no adult service to refer her too.

We need everyone, including those who's lives haven't been touched by ME, to help fight for more recognition from the medical community and to ask for more support for people who are suffering with this invisible illness.

Monies donated, and money collected through this page with go to the Ramsay Research Fund of the M.E. Association which funds vital research into M.E. So that we and other people who are affected/suffering from this long-term, life changing illness can hope one day of finding treatment options or even a cure.

Thank you for your support.

Clare and Richard Bromley

(Isobel's parents)

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