Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

May 6th-12th 2013 is ME Awareness Week. Along with many others worldwide, I'll be doing the Walk for ME to help raise funds. I’ll aim to walk around one (or more, depending upon my health) of the fields at the back of our house here. I hope some of you will consider donating to reach (or exceed - crossed fingers!) my fundraising target of £300. Thank you :)

I went down with M.E. approximately 2006/7. Like so many others battling this illness, much of my former life & ability to work was put on hold due to a variety of symptoms, of which the most widely reported - being mentally & physically tired - is but just one of many.

I consider myself fortunate in that I was disgnosed relatively early, and also having understanding family & friends. If I’d followed my GP’s advice before diagnosis, to “pull yourself together, and join a gym”, to ‘power on’ I’d have gotten far worse and would very likely be bedridden, and unable to get out at all now. Many are not so fortunate and lose family & friends through absolutely no fault of their own. Many are forced into various inappropriate treatments - some fatal. Early M.E. diagnosis and advice is essential.

Whilst public perception is gradually changing, too many are still made to feel like 'benefit scrounging' crooks, despite the fact that many were working & contributing for years before becoming ill, with hopes & dreams for their futures just like everybody else.

There are thousands who are not getting the help, understanding & empathy which should be the automatic right of every human being on the planet in a civilised society. Nobody wants to be ill & have their life as it was put on hold.

Things can only improve if more people are aware of this debilitating condition, and more funding is provided for research into the varying causes, and potential cures. Thanks for reading :)