31 May 2011
A summary of recent M.E. related stories in the news. Headlines appearing in the media as dated.
NHS bosses receive 1,400-strong petition
A petition with more than 1,400 signatories, protesting against the closure of the specialist CFS/M.E. service at Queen’s Hospital, Romford, has been handed into the hospital. Former patient Victoria Palmer has been told that the director of neurosciences will consider the petition before any final decisions are made.
Romford Recorder, p 6
27/05/11
Lancet and researchers on PACE backlash
In an editorial comment, The Lancet refutes responses to the PACE that say the study was fraudulent, unethical and unscientific. It also publishes eight letters from M.E. patients, support groups and other researchers, expressing their concerns about the PACE trial, and a response from the trial’s authors.
The Lancet, p 1808 and 1831-1833
http://www.thelancet.com/search/results?searchTerm=pace&fieldName=AllFields&journalFromWhichSearchStarted=
28/06/11
Lynn’s ashes scattered at Eastbourne Beach
In an extract from her book One last goodbye, Kay Gilderdale tells how her daughter Lynn, who had severe M.E., became bedbound and lost her ability to speak. In December 2008, Kay helped Lynn take her own life, and was charged with attempted murder. She was later found not guilty. Last October, Kay and her family scattered Lynn’s ashes at Eastbourne Beach.
Best, p 60-61
07/06/11
Press Complaints Commission decision
The Press Complaints Commission (PCC) has ruled that a letter published by the Congleton Chronicle, attacking people with M.E. and seasonal affected disorder as lazy, did not breach the PCC code. This is because the letter, which the PCC acknowledges caused distress and outrage to readers, was solely the opinion of the correspondent, expressed in an open forum.
Congleton Chronicle, p 23
26/05/11
Emilia raises £330
Emilia Jones, 9, has so far raised £330 for Action for M.E. by taking part in a sponsored swim, and says thank you to everyone who supported her.
Darlington Herald & Post, p 7
27/05/11
Vanilla Pod Bakery fundraiser
Pia Cato, who has M.E., is raising funds for Action for M.E. from sales of cakes and cupcakes at her bakery, Vanilla Pod Bakery in Cheltenham. Former teacher Fiona Megginson, who has had M.E. for 46 years, also talks about living with the illness.
Gloucester Echo, p 26 and online
27/05/11
Yoga for CFS
Yoga may help people with CFS by providing patients with more awareness of their physical bodies and their illness. Sleep aided by yoga can also lead to deep relaxation of the body, mind and senses.
Yoga Magazine, p 55-57
01/06/11
NB. Some articles may only be available online through payment of a subscription. Unfortunately Action for M.E. is prevented by copyright law from reproducing such articles in full or in extract.
The information contained within each press summary is provided for your personal information only. It does not necessarily reflect the views of Action for M.E.
