Louise and I became friends when we met in our first year at Epsom.  She was an exceptionally talented musician: an accomplished pianist, member of Chapel Choir (where we met!), but her greatest musical passion was the clarinet. I miss her everyday, but i am so grateful to have known her.

I am turning 21 and I wish Louise could be here to celebrate. In memory of her I would like to raise money for AYME to help those who are currently suffering with ME.

Louise battled with severe myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), otherwise known as chronic fatigue syndrome, since January 2010 after contracting glandular fever.

The ME caused Louise to become severely depressed and, after spending months in hospital, she took her own life at the age of 18.

AYME is a very deserving charity and stresses that people feeling unhappy, anxious or stressed should not suffer in silence. In 2010, there were 73 suicides in Surrey, making suicide the biggest killer of people aged under 35. There is a stigma attached to suicide and depression, but there shouldn't be since they are caused by an illness which is no more anyone's fault than a physical illness. AYME can help those suffering who feel they cannot talk about their illness.

Below is the poem that was read at her funeral: it is very touching poem. Please read it and think of Louise and all the suffers of ME. 

No one knew the torment,
that you were going through;
We only kept on seeing 
What we really wanted to.

We saw the outward smile, 
but not your inner pain;
We never really dreamt, 
That you would never smile again.

Forgive us if we failed to see, 
What we could do to aid;
Or if we failed to comprehend, 
How much you were afraid.

We pray your mental anguish, 
Will now forever cease;
And that your deep anxieties,
Will be replaced by peace.

We know your pain invaded,
Every single thought you had;
It made you cry internally,
And deeply, deeply sad.

But we in turn remember,
The good times, not the bad;
We remember when you smiled at us,
And not when you were sad.

So when we think about your life,
We won't dwell upon its close;
We'll remember all the good times,
And forget about life's blows.

We'll remember all the happiness,
The joy and not the tears;
The assurance and the confidence,
And not irrational fears. 

Our lives have all been better,
Because you have been there;
So now we leave your memory,
In God's all-loving care.

 

If you wish to make a donation please consider Louise and AYME.

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. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.