Walking the Thames Path for ME

John and Phillida have set out to walk the Thames Path. Help them finish it.

Last summer we wrote:

On Sunday we set out from the Thames Barrier heading for the source of the Thames 184 miles away.

If Sunday was the 'summer', then we wanted to make the most of it. But people with ME can't make the most of it. So many peole affected by ME would love to be with us, but are stuck indoors, in darkness and in isolation.

Those of us with able bodies have to keep pushing forward for them. That's why John and I have pledged ourselves to raise £1,000 for the ME Assocation's Ramsey Research Fund special appeal. The ME Associationis one of the most respected ME advocacy organisations. Its research fund has already funded important genetic research which has identified abnormal function in a range of genes. Now the goal is to extend this work and most importantly explore its therapeutic implications.

The second goal of the appeal is to set up a tissue bank. Without it, biomedical research is stymied. Such a resource will help the collaboration which is so essential in unravelling this profound multi-system illness. 

In the 14 years since our daughter Hester became ill, no public funds have been spent on biomedical research into this devestating illness. Patients, their friends and families have had to foot the bill, not only in their lives but in funding this vital work; work which keeps hope alive.

Despite these difficulties significant progress has been made, and if we all contribute our bit, the story of the next 14 years will be very different.

A bob a mile would be great - but how about a quid for every pub we don't go into? The wharves leading to Greenwich were a thirsty place so promises like that will test our resolve and keep us on the straight and narrow.

We will be out most Sundays this 'summer'. If you would like to join us on this walk into the heart of England give us a ring on 0207 932 0794,  and if you can't be with us give us a quid to stay out of those London pubs!.

Spring 2010 we wrote:

Sadly this effort was interupted when Phillida had to return to New Zealand to care for Hester once again. But she is now back, and Hester while still fragile she is better than when Phillida went out. This is typical of the intereupted lives lead by people with ME and their familes. But John and Phillida have set out once again. This time we are detertmined to finish by the end of this summer, and so on Sunday we began by walking the Rotherhithe section and got to Tower Bridge with our 'Give ME Your Money' teeshirts. Hopfully the pictures will tell the story.....

                                                                               Make ME History

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