This is my daughter’s story

Six years ago I developed Myalgic Encephalomyelitis as a post viral complication of a covid infection. I went from working as a mental health nurse and my life revolving around swimming outdoors to housebound and ultimately mostly bedbound.

ME is chronic and debilitating neurological condition for which there is currently no cure or licenced treatments. ME stands for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, broken down the name means inflammation of the brain and spinal cord with muscle pain.

The symptoms for me include a profound energy deficit (roughly 15% of my previous capacity) combined with a worsening of all symptoms after any exertion. Initially this meant I could still swim but would crash for a day or so afterwards feeling awful, now it could potentially mean months in bed. Last year a 50 meter walk left me bedbound for 3 months.

Underfunded and underresearched, I've asked that funds be sent to ME Research UK, as they prioritise supporting biomedical research which will hopefully lead to viable treatment options in the future.