ME, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a long-term, neurological condition affecting a persons ability to perform normal, daily tasks. It can cause severe pain and fatigue, among other things. ME also has an affect on body systems, most commonly, the Nervous, and Immune System.

ME is under-researched and under-funded (money comes from charities and individuals), because of this the cause of the condition is still unknown.

There are many stigmas surrounding people with ME such as, "They're lazy" and "They just need to go to sleep earlier". The common misconception is that people with the condition are only ever tired: this is not true. My dad assumed both of these stereotypes, this caused me to doubt myself and really lowered my self-esteem. Both of these stereotypes are dangerous because they dismiss the severity and reality of the condition and highlight just how unknown ME is.

At the end of year 9 I was diagnosed with ME. because of the way it affected me I was left unable to continue with my active hobbies (such as dancing and walking) due to severe joint and muscle pain, and I was too ill (easily fatigued) to continue in mainstream school - this meant I missed the entirety of year 10. In year 11, a viable education plan was set up and the amount of GCSE's I ended up taking was reduced. ME has (and will most likely continue to have) a negative impact on my education and ability to get a job.

ME has made the last 2 years of my life incredibly hard and has held me back from doing all sorts of amazing activities. This condition will have a lasting impact on the rest of my life however, I refuse to let it stop me from achieving my goals.

The ME association donates money to the Ramsay Research Fund (ME research), it provides information about the condition, they represent ME in parliament (to inform MP's), and the charity supports those with the condition and their family.