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What is ME?

ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is an illness that blights the lives of 250,000 people in UK today.  Even the smallest exertion can floor them; their joints and muscles ache unbearably; restful sleep eludes them; and ‘brain fog’ clouds even the smallest judgment.  It changes their lives drastically – disrupting education; making employment impossible; and straining family relations to breaking point.  People may be housebound or confined to bed for many months or years.  There is no known cure.

My story

I was officially diagnosed with CFS/ME in January 2016. I am currently unable to work or study. I have to spend a lot of time resting in bed and leaving the house is very difficult. I often need to use a wheelchair if I am out as I cannot stand for long or walk very far. I experience headaches, sensitivity to light, sound and touch, and aches and pains all over. Sometimes I struggle to form sentences because of the brain fog.

I was a professional sailor and keen on walking up mountains, running, martial arts and ice skating. As I can’t do these things myself in my current state of health I’m supporting my mum, Alison, and my sister, Joy, in their running. Between us we’d like to raise awareness of this disease and some funds for the ME Association.

They support people with ME through a telephone helpline, providing information and funding research. I have directly benefited from the knowledge they provide. Their ‘going into hospital’ leaflet helped both me and the hospital staff when I needed surgery. Their Facebook page is a great resource and they keep updated with research from all over the world which gives me hope that a cure will be found.

I’m hoping to be well enough to be there at the finish line, cheering Alison and Joy on.

Alison says, "I started running in January using a couch to 5K app. I soon discovered Park Run and persuaded my daughter Joy to join me. With her encouragement I did my first 10K this summer. I am looking forward to completing another one with her, while supporting my eldest daughter Beth and her struggle with ME."

Joy says, "My sister was always the most active member of my family, off sailing across oceans or climbing up something. Seeing how her life has changed due to ME has, at times, been hard to watch. What is amazing is how she has embraced using physical aids from a wheelchair to a personal assistant to improve her life. Everybody who lives with ME should have access to support and the understanding to embrace whatever support they need. The more awareness that is raised the less isolated and hidden people like my sister are and that is why me and my mum are running this 10K for the ME Association."

Thank you for taking the time to read this and if you can spare anything to help our fundraising it will be very much appreciated.

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