Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My name is Tom and I'm walking on behalf of the ME Association who help people suffering with ME (Myalgic Encephalopathy), often known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. You can find the event here: https://www.just-walk.co.uk/

Richard (My father) was really a kid at heart. When I was younger he was always the first one outside wanting to play, build or just do something with me. Someone who loved being active, a hobbyist and a kindhearted man who could also be a bit of Goofball. So when he was diagnosed with ME (after a spell of bad health). It was extremely tough for him. My Dad struggled to come to terms with a complete lack of energy that overshadowed his day-to-day life. He was drained, stricken with guilt, and at a loss that he couldn’t overcome his illness. He took his own life in May 2010. As a family we wish we’d known more about ME. 

On May 12th 2018 I'll be joining hundreds of others from around the country in a walking challenge at Goodwood Racecourse, West Sussex. As I’ve gotten older, hiking and walking have been a big part of my life. It’s always been my way to have time with my thoughts, and they usually turn to Richard. I’ve often thought if circumstances were different, he would be out there with me, and hiking weekends would have been our thing. So I’m doing this walk for him, for myself, but also for the thousands of other ME sufferers that live through this day in, day out. Including their friends and family that go through so much. It takes incredible courage that often goes un-noticed.

The ME Association funds vital research into the underlying causes and treatment of ME/CFS and provides invaluable support to ME sufferers and their families. http://www.meassociation.org.uk/