I am a member of a small and dedicated group of health professionals providing specialist treatment and support to those living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as ME, for the North West of England.

Those diagnosed with CFS/ME experience overwhelming and enduring symptoms that overtake their lives. They are not just tired but completely unable to function. Our patients describe losing their physical function, relationships, jobs and social networks.

'....CFS is life changing....'

They are likely to be very unwell for a number of years and often have very limited support or understanding from those around them, including health professionals and employers.

'....I feel like my GP does not believe I have a real illness...'

It is a devastating long term health condition affecting the most productive members of our society in both professional careers and those depended upon in family networks.

'....Stop judging and support....'

As it is more common than Multiple Sclerosis (MS), most people know someone who has been through this experience and the impact it has.

'....My whole body is in hell....'

As one of only a handful of specialist NHS services the team manage a large rate of referrals and offer one of the few research based rehabilitation programmes. Individual therapy sessions are complimented with workshops.

'....The service has helped me believe I finally have hope.....'

The therapists stress the importance of group interventions to build connections with others who understand, succeed at achievable activity and find new ways to gain meaning as patients rebuild their lives.  

'....Its really nice to get back to being me....'

I am planning to run the Scouse 5K on 15th October around Liverpool city centre. I want to highlight the condition to as wide an audience as possible to create better insight and acknowledgement of the severity of the illness.

'....Try not to lose yourself....'

I am raising money for resources to directly benefit the patients, particularly art and relaxation activities, and to sustain the refreshments offered by the department.

I also want to create a sustainable fund for staff to remain updated in CFS/ME research and practice.

At the present time the staff fund all of these costs themselves.