Seven years ago, when my daughter was 13, she fell ill with multiple infections.  She developed ME (Myalgic Encephalopathy) and has spent much of her life in bed since.  She suffers great pain, difficulty moving, and cognitive impairment.  She's had periods of time when she was able to attend school or college for a few afternoons a week.  Last October, she had a bad relapse and has been too ill to study, walk more than a few steps, leave the house much or spend much time with friends.   For the past seven years, she's needed either myself or her mother to be available to help her at all times.

As awful as it has been to see her suffer from pain, illness and great social isolation, we know it could be even worse, as there are young people with ME requiring tube feeding.  It's estimated 250,000 people in the UK, age seven and above, have ME. About 80% of patients are female.  The ME Association supports the latest research into this dreadful illness.  Currently there is no diagnostic test and no treatment for ME. It is a neuro-immune disorder, but has too often been misunderstood or misdiagnosed as a psychological disorder. However, significant bio-medical research is finally beginning to be carried out.

Our family lives in hope that better understanding of this illness will soon bring a cure that our daughter and family will benefit from.  Any donation you are able to give will bring that day closer!