Theresa Minshaw
Terry's page
Fundraising for Action for M.E.
Story
Thank you very much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Those of you who know me quite well will know that tinkering around on a computer and setting up such a site will have caused me grief! I am not a natural but 'needs must' as they say.
Most of you will probably know a bit about our story.
My eldest daughter, Sammy, had M.E. for 11 years from the age of nine. Her baby sister was at that time just over a year old! There were many ups and downs in our lives as we all struggled to cope with Sammy's difficulties, a young toddler and the 'strangeness' of Sammy's illness.
M.E. and its symptoms take a long time to come to terms with and even to be diagnosed. It took us two years. It as an illness which can truly devastate lives and yet it is still sometimes known to be just about 'tiredness' and 'fatigue'. It is so much more than that. Many still think that a sufferer will be able to pull themselves together and get on with life. If only that were possible!
Basically, Sammy was rarely able to attend either primary or secondary school but worked at home with myself and later her tutor, Julie, whenever well enough. She was often unconscious for long spells of time and at her worst was too sick to even move from her bed into her wheelchair. However, she has always been a very determined young person and so at any opportunity, when well enough, she would try to study. She had an excellent tutor in Julie, a person who took a keen personal interest in Sammy's intellectual development as well as her general well being. The partnership continued for several years until eventually, Sammy gained enough G.C.S.Es to do A levels and enough A levels to go to University. We are eternally grateful that Sammy and Julie's paths crossed.
Sammy developed appendicitis as she was about to take her final A level exams. She was unable to attend college and this would have been a dreadful blow had she not have completed so much work earlier of a sufficiently high standard as to enable the examiners to award her a good mark. Sammy was able to go on to University to study Journalism.
I am delighted and extremely proud to say that Sammy has since graduated twice. After University, Sammy attended law school for two years and graduated with a law degree this summer. She is now very happy to be working within a company which has given her the opportunity to study further and at the same time has made her feel very welcome as well as a valued member of the team.
It has been a difficult journey for all members of my family but throughout, we have always tried to remain positive. Sammy's sister, Emily Rose, has over the years raised several hundred pounds for Action for M.E. by organising various events.
M.E. affects all family members, not just the sufferer. Involvement has helped us to accept and adapt to our situation. We have always regarded Sammy's illness as a blip - a major blip - but a blip nevertheless, to be overcome. This, as well as Sammy's determination and hard work would seem to have won through.
I would like to think that our story might be of some help to others who may find themselves in a similar position. If anyone reading this knows of a person suffering with M.E. then please ask them to contact me. I don't have all the answers but I have a lot of hands on experience!
Sammy's tutor, Julie and I will be taking part in the London Marathon to celebrate Sammy's successes as well as to raise money for the charity 'Action for M.E.' - hope we are still smiling at the end of the 26.2 miles! We will be walking quickly and running a bit! A small bit!!
We are training regularly with our dogs Millie, Jack and William and enjoying nice cups of coffee when we feel we deserve them – this could pose a problem on the day though as there will be a few others taking part besides us!! We can but try our best.......... thank you very much for your support - think of our feet!!! Jack and Williams' legs are about 3 inches shorter already - what with all the practice :) luv from Terry or Tell as I often get called these days x
I must just add that I have visited a delightful gentleman, in the truest sense this evening - Dave King - the President of the British Legion at Hornchurch. I have had the pleasure over the last 19 years or so, of supporting Dave by distributing poppies on behalf of The British Legion. Sammy used to help me as a little girl. Dave has offered to involve some of his volunteers to help collect money on our behalf - outside Sainsbury's in Hornchurch. I think that that is just marvellous :)
It is April 1st and my school , Wykeham Primary , has held a non-uniform day to help me raise some more money. I am delighted to say that £304 been raised. Thank you very much parents and children.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity. Thank you.