I've had ME for approximately a decade now. It is so much more than just 'feeling tired', and has completely altered my life. I have been unable to work full-time since 2007, my social life has been reduced down to a bare minimum, I cannot drive, and I spend much of my life resting in bed, and frequently wondering what could have been. However, I feel I'm still one of the lucky ones as I can go for short walks when I feel up to it, so I feel it's only right that I make use of this to help raise money for furthering research into ME by participating in this year's Walk for ME by walking around one of the fields in Kempshott.

Though public perception of ME is finally starting to change for the better - social media platforms have been invaluable for spreading information - this is still an illness which demands much research into the causes, and possible treatments.

ME Research UK believes that only biomedical research can find the causes of ME/CFS, improve diagnosis and treatment, and, ultimately, arrive at a cure. They've awarded 43 grants since 2000 and invested over £1.4 million. But research is expensive and becoming more so every day. That’s the challenge we face, and that’s why we need your help. Thank you :)