Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I want to fundraise for ME research because still there is so little known about ME. 

ME changed my life - I've been unwell in varying degrees for over two thirds of my life. It stole my teenage years - how many wished they could have a day off of school? I just wanted to be well enough to go back. I lost cognitive ability, the ability to sit up or to feed myself. At a time when I desperately wanted independence, I had to rely on a carer for the most basic tasks. I count the years since diagnosis as I cannot remember being healthy - I know that I am better than I used to be, though new challenges arise over time. If it's a good day, I'll walk a little extra - if not, then I'll rest. 

I still have ME and have had to explain myself over the years to doctors and friends who come up with the 'Well we all get tired' lines. There is still such ignorance and with professionals choosing to ignore ME, things are still so similar to when I was first diagnosed. I remember my mother being told I could be ill for 10 weeks, 10 months, 10 years or always ill. The relief of a diagnosis turned to confusion and isolation. 

ME is a cruel and harsh illness and has stolen lives of people dear to me (and some I haven't known). I have the most wonderful friends who are housebound or even bed bound day in, day out. They deserve research and treatment. 

I'm walking this year because I can. It shall take me a long time and shall cause pain but I shall do it. Last year I was criticised for walking when others could do it for me. If you know me, you'll know that I'd never accept that. People being diagnosed today and people severely affected deserve better research and the hope of treatment. This is why I'm walking and I hope you shall support me..

THANK YOU x

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