As you may or may not know, my 21-year-old sister, Tamara, has suffered from ME/CFS for eight years.  It is estimated that some 250,000 people in are affected by this devastating illness. All types of people at all ages are affected. Severe and debilitating fatigue, painful muscles and joints, disordered sleep, food intolerance, poor memory and concentration are just some of the symptoms. Find out more about ME  and the Association of Young People with ME at http://www.ayme.org.uk .

ME has changed Tamara’s life drastically, though she has remained amazingly cheerful and positive throughout.  But she has missed out on so much: school, holidays and at the beginning of her illness, simple things that we all take for granted such as standing in the shower, drinking through a straw, eating and even talking were huge daily struggles. At times, it has made leading a normal family life quite difficult.

But it’s not all bad news.  Far from it.  The good news is that Tamara is gradually getting better and as a family, we feel that it has made us stronger and more appreciative of one another. In the eight years that Tamara has been ill, we have ALL been supported by AYME.

To raise money for AYME which, unlike other ME charities, is run by young people with ME/CFS for young people with ME/CFS  I have signed up to compete in the London Marathon on 13  April 2008 – which is conveniently being held on the first day of term!  While laughing at the thought of me training in this miserable weather, please take a couple of minutes to logon to the link below to sponsor me in support of AYME.  Anything you can give is greatly appreciated.

If you would rather send a cheque, please make it out to AYME, and send it to me at the above address.  I will do the rest!

Thank you so so much

Rory Fitzherbert