Thank you for taking the time to visit my page! - It really does mean a lot as it's taken me a few weeks to write it!!

So, when I first heard that there are 250,000 people in the UK with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalopathy/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), it didn't really have much impact on me - it was just another number on a page, another statistic that didn't really mean much - and I'm sure I'm not the only one!

So I've decided to do something to really make people think about what a big number that is and hopefully raise some awareness and money in the process.

As I have ME/CFS myself, I needed something that I already do on a day-to-day basis so that it didn't have a negative affect on my health - something simple that everyone can identify with - so this is what I thought of ...

I will be counting every step (stride) I take, for however long it takes, until I reach 250,000 steps. So that each step I take during that time will signify a real person living with this debilitating illness - 250,000 steps for 250,000 ME/CFS sufferers!! As I mentioned, I have ME/CFS myself, so I know it's going to take me a while to reach that magic number! I'd love to think I could complete it within a year, but I just have to take things one day at a time. I do have struggles mentally/emotionally so hopefully this challenge will bring a positive focus to my day-to-day life!

It also has to be remembered that ME/CFS does not just affect the sufferer, it has its own affect on those around them (family/friends). Some of these people may even find themselves having to become carers. A humongous "THANK YOU" to all those people out there - you have no idea what your support means!

From Monday 18th May onwards I will be making every step count!

Please help me make every step count by sharing this page with others, donating, or even doing the challenge yourself - all you really need is a pedometer to start making every step count!!

Thank you!

Alison xx

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.