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Josh Bayton and Trev McMillan are walking the length of the Malvern Hills, Worcestershire (approx. 10 miles) for ME Research UK. This is being done on behalf of Barbara Bayton, who has had ME for over 3 years and whose life has been seriously impeded by it since September 2012.

ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ), can also be known as CFS/PVFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome) is characterised by a range of neurological symptoms and signs, muscle pain with intense physical or mental exhaustion, relapses, and specific cognitive disabilities.

Currently it is estimated that some 250,000 people in Britain are affected by this illness. All types of people at all ages are affected. Severe and debilitating fatigue (post-exertional, often delayed, and quite unlike the ‘fatigue’ experienced by healthy people), painful muscles and joints, disordered sleep, gastric disturbances, poor memory and concentration are commonplace.

In some the effects may be minimal but in a large number, lives are changed drastically: in the young, schooling and higher education can be severely disrupted; in the working population, employment becomes impossible for many. For all, social life and family life become restricted and in some cases severely strained. People may be housebound or confined to bed for months or years.

It is thought that Barbara first experienced ME after a severe bout of Swine Flu in November 2009, although she was largely able to continue her life as normal. However, in September 2012 she suffered what can best described as a massive relapse and since then life has been very different for her and those close to her.

She is currently unable to continue her voluntary and fundraising work that she so loves and is limited to even leaving the house only about once a week, with assistance. After leading such a busy life always trying to help others, she has now had to adjust to a much slower pace and being the one that frequently needs help.

One of Barbara’s many goals was to one day walk the length of the Malvern Hills for charity that is why she requested that we do it on her behalf, during ME Awareness week (6-12 May) for ME Research UK.

The idea behind Walk for ME is that friends and family of an ME sufferer do a sponsored walk on their behalf during ME Awareness week, which runs from 6th May to 12th May 2013, hence the name Walk for ME or Walk for me.

We really hope that by doing this on Barbara’s behalf and raising sponsorship money it will help raise awareness of this debilitating illness.

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 UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

 

So please dig deep and donate now. Thank you so much!

Josh and Trev