Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) is a long-term (chronic), fluctuating, neurological condition that causes many symptoms and effects many body systems, more commonly the immune and nervous systems. M.E. affects an estimated 250,000 people in the UK, and around 17 million people worldwide.

People with M.E. can experience debilitating pain, severe fatigue and a range of other symptoms associated with post-exertional malaise - the body and brains inability to recover after expending even small amounts of energy.

With symptoms experienced differently by each person and the condition varying from mild to severe, one in four people with M.E. are so severely ill they are house or bed-bound, too ill to take even a single step.

Action for M.E. works to end the ignorance, injustice and neglect experienced by men, women and children with M.E. We provide a lifeline of support to thousands of people, , campaign to raise awareness and work to encourage more high-quality biomedical research.

We’ve decided to raise some funds for this cause as one of the team members (Josie) has CFS. Although mild compared to a lot of sufferers it has had an impact on her everyday life, education and social activities. We’re hoping to complete the 1 million steps over the month of August and the majority exploring the Peak District. Whether Josie manages 50 or 10,000 steps in the day they’ll all be counted along with the rest of the Phillips and Howard Families steps.

Thank you for sponsering the Kirton Wanderers and supporting a charity who helps so many and pushes for further research into the condition.