23 August 2011
A summary of recent M.E. related stories in the news. Headlines appearing in the media as dated.
‘Libellous’ websites shut down by Atos
Atos Healthcare, the company contracted by the Government to carry out Work Capability Assessments, has forced the website Atos Register of Shame to close after claiming experiences posted by disabled people were libellous. Atos has also threatened legal action against CarerWatch discussion forum, now also closed.
Morning Star, online
http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/108578
22/08/11
XMRV and the power of viruses
The nature of viruses makes it easy for myths to be built up around them, says science writer Carl Zimmer. Recalling a recent talk he gave, he said that it has not been possible to replicate studies recently linking the virus XMRV. “In my talk, I said that even if the link was rejected, it had already found a community that would continue to embrace it,” he adds.
Discover Magazine, online
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2011/08/21/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-death-threats-for-scientists/
21/08/11
Whole person care
Burrswood Christian Hospital, founded by Dorothy Kerrin, offers whole person care bringing together mainstream medicine and Christian healing. The hospital specialises in post-operative recovery, complex respite care, counselling and M.E./CFS.
Families First, p 19-21
01/10/11
Olympic Storyteller
Poet and short fiction writer Sally Blackmore, who has M.E., is one of 100 applicants chosen to be an Olympic Storyteller. The scheme, run in conjuction with BT, offers writers the chance to involve their local communities in the games.
Virginia Water, Sunninghill & Sunningdale Villager, p 14
19/08/11
Chinese herbs for M.E.
Chinese medicine expert Zhong Zhao, based in Worcester, will give a talk at the Eighth World Congress of Chinese Medicine in London, 2-3 September. Her talk will be about the effects of the herbal formula jian zhong qingjie on boosting the immune system of people with M.E./CFS.
Worcester News, p 7
19/08/11
Return to running
Melvyn Walmsley completed the Taunton marathon in 1989 in three hours and nine minutes. Mr Walmsley, now 60, will return to running after “a slight blip, with several years of CFS”, by taking part in the 10K Chestnut House Coastal Run on 11 September to raise money for Chestnut Tree House Hospice.
East Grinstead Courier and Observer, p 16
18/08/11
Family fun day
Shelley Garlington, who has had M.E. for nine years, is holding a family fun day at Acon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, Keynsham, 27 August, 11am to 3pm, to raise money for Post Pals, a charity that helps terminally ill and sick children. “Post Pals was set up by Vikki George, who has M.E. herself,” says Shelley. “I know it will take a lot out of me but I’m lucky to have friends who are helping me.”
White Horse News, p 9
18/08/11
New report on suicide published
At least one in 10 suicides in England is by someone with a chronic or terminal illness, says a new report by think tank Demos.
Independent, online
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/8716207/Coroners-turning-a-blind-eye-to-assited-suicide.html
23/08/11
Sayers: my game has progressed
Yorkshire batsmen Joe Sayers is looking forward to the County Championship match with Warwickshire at Headingley having recovered post viral fatigue syndrome last year. "Since I've come back, my game's progressed quite a lot,” he says.
Telegraph and Argus, online
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/9209243.Illness_was_real_battle_for_survival__says_Yorkshire_batsman_Sayers/?ref=rss
22/08/11
As above
Northern Echo, p 46
23/08/11
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