The Faces of M.E. campaign aims to show that people of all ages and backgrounds can be affected by the illness.
M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) is a long-term, fluctuating illness, also known as chronic or post viral fatigue syndrome.
Symptoms include overwhelming exhaustion, muscle pain, headache, unrefreshing sleep, poor memory/concentration and digestive problems.
Up to 25% of people affected become so severely that they are housebound or bedbound.
Of the 250,000 people in the UK who have M.E., 25,000 are children, including primary school pupils.
Sir Peter Spencer, Chief Executive, Action for M.E., says:
“At least one in 250 readers of this paper is likely to have M.E. and we want them all to tell us and the world their story. I know, from those we have received already, that they will be stories of courage, determination, endurance and above all, hope.
“That is why we as a charity campaign so hard for more research into the causes and development of this invisible but often very disabling illness.
“If you are the parent of a child with M.E., I hope you will come forward too.”
Action for M.E. offers information and support to people with M.E. and their carers, online or through their helplines. Go to www.afme.org.uk or call 0845 123 2380 for information.
To add your photograph and story to this web page e-mail Kimberley or write to either Action for M.E., PO Box 2778, Bristol BS1 9DJ or in Scotland, Action for M.E., 272 Bath Street Glasgow G2 4JR.
