I apologise in advance for the length of my story, though it is little more than a brief synopsis of the challenges I have faced, and continue to face on a day to day basis. I have spent a long time trying to deal with my health problems, for which there are many contributing factors. I want to be as open and honest as I can be, whilst sparing you from the painful detail. I thank you in advance for reading this, and should you choose to donate to my cause please accept my sincerest gratitude. I don't have much family to turn to, so here you find me looking hopefully to the generosity of mostly strangers.

If you don't want to read the whole thing, the "too long, didn't read" summary is: I am currently experiencing anti-social behaviour issues in a property that isn't very good in terms of trying to stabilise my long-term health conditions. I have been identified as the source of a complaint (though many complaints have been subitted) by the perpetrator and their group of friends. This is escalating to legal action, and I now fear retribution. I am looking for help to raise enough money to get in to a more suitable property, hopefully surrounded by decent people. I have spent a lot of time helping others in need (friends and strangers) in my life. For the first time in almost 40 years, I am seeking help. It's not an easy thing for me to do, because 'pride', but I haven't really got anywhere else to turn.

I am maintaining a blog (for the first time in over 10 years) about my current experiences, which supporters are more than welcome to access if they wish to follow how their donation has helped. This is as a therapeutic aid (catharsis is somewhat helpful) and to allow those close to me to know and understand what I may be struggling to verbalise.

I have suffered from health issues for my entire life. This limited my abilities for many years, and was misdiagnosed as being "mental health" issues. I suffer from Chronic Fatigue (CFS/ME), Chronic Neuropathic Pain, PTSD and depression. Stress and anxiety are major contributors in destabilising my physical health.

In a 25 year career in IT, I rose to a senior Management position, not by having a degree - but by actually working my way up from Desktop Support. I specialised in Infrastructure and Security. Being conscious of my own career path, I took time to help educate "junior" staff members, trying to give them hope that they don't need to be stuck at the lower end of the ladder.

In 2011, my health was faltering badly. My energy levels and stamina were practically non-existent and I was becoming severely depressed by this. Pain, which I had managed for a portion of my life, was becoming unbearable. I was sent to a "support group", where a Psychiatrist tried to incorrectly label me as having Borderline Personality Disorder. Where the "support group" should have been making me better, it was further hindering me. As well as my own issues (stemming from an exceptionally violent father, and being abused as a teenager), I was being bombarded with the horrific stories of others in the group.

For as long as I could remember, I had issues with sleep. A new G.P. sent me for a 'sleep study', which was a major turning point - both personally, and in terms of the medical care I was given. In CFS/ME patients, it is often found that they don't reach the restorative phase of sleep. Phase 5 sleep is where you dream. It is also where your body starts repairing any damage and "recharging your batteries". This leaves sufferers with a variety of physical and cognitive problems. On a better day, a sufferer might be able to do most things an unaffected person can do. On a bad day, it can be impossible to move from bed due to lethargy and pain.

Things came to a head in 2013, due to a working hours issue. I was expected to work 80 hour shifts over subsequent weekends - and still complete a full working week managing a global infrastructure. Whilst concessions were agreed for recovery time, these were not honoured as a result of "business needs". I hit rock bottom, and became unable to do anything. I lost my job. I hoped I would be back on my feet in a few months. I was given a "compensation payout" based on that timescale. Unfortunately, that was a pipe dream. I was refused benefits, an once the compensation was gone, I had to use Credit Cards to survive. It was a difficult time, and even now a decent portion of money I have coming in goes to pay of those debts. I am now on top of those, and have managed to calculate the most effective way to clear this by the end of next year, through "snowballing" (focussing on the lower debt, paying it off and reallocating the payments to the next smallest).

As I found myself able to open up about my past, it was discovered that I didn't have a personality disorder, but I was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD). Unfortunately, when Stress, Anxiety or PTSD interact with CFS/ME the results can be catastrophic. Due to a combination of all of the above, I found myself looking for somewhere to live when it took its toll on my 10 year relationship. I spent 5 months couch-surfing before being offered a flat. I tried getting in to the Private sector, but was unable to do so due to the high level of fees and deposits required.

I've been living in the flat for 6 months now, and whilst I am grateful for the roof over my head, I am not recovering - my health is deteriorating as a result of an anti-social neighbour (having 72 hour parties, and visitors in and out all day / night). Whilst the Council are trying to resolve the issues, I have been singled out as the complainant and verbally abused. I am now fearful that this will turn to something more retaliatory as the council continue their process. Between the disturbed- or complete lack of sleep, and the other actions of my neighbour, my health (physical and mental) are shattered. I need to get away from this situation, to some kind of humanity or normality. I want to get back to a stage where I can once again do *some* work, and be a productive member of society.

Your donation will help me achieve this, by providing enough money to pay deposits, agency fees and removal costs. In return for your donation, as previously mentioned, you are welcome to have an account to access my blog and read about my progress - you can request one using the "Contact" button at the bottom of the page. Any money left over from donations will be used in a way agreed by donors who choose to become part of my 'blogosphere' to follow my progress.

Thank you for reading, and consideration.

David.