Most of you that know me know that I am a kind hearted larger than life Yorkshire man who regularly raises awareness and funding for good causes. This year it’s one very close to home as I am raising money to fund research into the chronic illness my daughter lives with.

What is M.E?

M.E causes 100s of symptoms ranging from debilitating fatigue, musculoskeletal pain and post exertional malaise. Around 200,000 people in the UK and 17million people worldwide have M.E. The cause of M.E is still unknown, although it’s commonly linked to long-lasting infections. There is no medication or cure available. 

When asking what it feels like to have M.E, someone once told me: ‘Imagine waking up with the worst ever hangover, and  flu - then try to run marathon. That is what M.E feels like every day’.  

This is a life changing, debilitating, dream changing illness that, sadly, some medical professionals still don’t recognise.

Eleanor’s Story 

Eleanor was 15 when she was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E), a life-limiting neurological illness. Like all teenagers, Eleanor had begun to think about what she would like to do with her life and in her future. Eleanor had always been a high-achiever, with academics being a big part of her life. Her plans were to study law or medicine at university, which were realistic courses for her grades. That all changed with M.E. 

Eleanor only managed to attend 30% of her at Sixth Form, but still worked as hard as she could to get the best grades possible. A symptom of M.E is the inability to retain and recall information - a vital part of achieving good exam grades. Sadly, despite all of her best endeavours, Eleanor only managed to pass one of her A levels. 

Eleanor spent the next year housebound, unable to move onto University like her peers. Slowly, her symptoms began to improve. Eleanor then completed another A Level from home. She successfully applied and got accepted onto a Marketing Communications and Advertising degree at Sheffield Hallam University.

With support from her family, friends and boyfriend, Eleanor is now in her 3rd year of University on a placement at a Sheffield business. She is doing very well despite the many challenges M.E continues to bring. However, Eleanor will always have to balance her life with M.E.

My Challenge

Inspired by Captain Tom’s 100 challenge, I am going to walk 10 miles every day for 10 days - come rain or shine! All money raised from this will be donated from my just giving page to  ME  Association registered  charity number 801279.

The final day will be completed on Sunday 16th May, also known as Blue Sunday. This day marks the end of M.E awareness week, where people across the world raise awareness for M.E by throwing a blue themed a tea party. You can also join in on this event (there’s never a bad time for cake!) through the link  https://the-slow-lane.com/blue-sunday/

Even after all these years of battling this illness, Eleanor still finds it difficult and upsetting to talk about it. I urge you to watch this short video that explains M.E from a first hand  perspective, through the link  https://youtu.be/dUrPFqGONM8

Many thanks in advance of reading this and for donating. 

Steve Dabell