As many of you know, I've lived with M.E. for over half of my life. I got very lucky with a very mild case that was fairly easy to manage with time management and avoiding common illnesses.

In 2019, I began to struggle more often, and after catching COVID in late 2022 and developing B12 deficiency anaemia, I became seriously unwell. I collapsed at home and was bedbound for several days, and spent weeks at a time housebound. On days when Ross was working in the office, he would leave a water bottle and snacks beside my bed to keep me going until he came home.

It was a terrifying time, but during the worst days, Ross called Action for M.E.'s helpline, and without them, I wouldn't be as able as I now am.

They helped us advocate for the healthcare I wasn't getting and identify places that could give me practical support.

I seriously don't know where we would be without them.

They continue to campaign for the government to invest more in research, have worked in partnership with other charities as our community continue to be penalised by government - the latest proposed changes to disability benefits being a fine example!

They have doctors, physios and other allied health professionals who specialise in M.E. care, fund research and provide a listening ear to so many experiencing the crappiness of this often misunderstood illness.

I recently had the privilege of working with Action for M.E. on their podcast as a volunteer for M.E. Action Scotland (a different charity!), reading some work from the Pillow Writers.

Charities are being hit hard with new National Insurance rules, higher competition for funding and the cost of living crisis.

I don't need anything for my birthday, but to see more Healthcare professionals educated in this illness, more research being done would be lovely ☺

Anything you can give can make a difference