Our Summer Appeal has now closed. Thank you so much to everyone who supported us in creating change for people with ME!
Following a bout of glandular fever when she was 17, Debi struggled through her A Levels but was able to begin training to be a nurse - something she had always dreamed of doing. Sadly, a year into her course she experienced an adverse reaction to a Hepatitis B vaccine and her health rapidly deteriorated.
“I collapsed on the ward one evening. I saw a doctor from occupational health and he diagnosed me with ME. I had heard of it but didn't know anything about it.”
Due to her ME, Debi had to give up her dream of becoming a nurse and move back with her parents.
“I was virtually bed bound and my mum had to feed me. Then it got so that I couldn't even chew because of the fatigue. One by one my friends dropped off. They continued on their journey and my life stood still. That was over 30 years ago now. Today I am lucky enough to have mild to moderate symptoms. I still feel very sad that I couldn't finish my nursing training.”
One year ago, Debi’s 16-year-old daughter started showing symptoms of ME.
“She was exhausted all the time. My heart sank.”
The exhaustion continued and Debi was becoming extremely worried about her daughter. She contacted the GP, but was told she would need to wait 3 months for a paediatric appointment.
“I felt desperate. I contacted Action for ME. I explained our situation and I had a very kind and thorough email back almost straight away. They understood my concern for my daughter, especially with her GCSEs coming up. They explained to me how to go about getting some support from her school.”
Our free Information & Support service was able to provide guidance to Debi on how to request support for her daughter at school, and what to expect in response.
“They were there for me when I really needed support and advice. Immediately I felt completely supported and understood. I felt like I had the support to help my daughter and that we weren't alone.”
Donate today, and help us continue to support people like Debi when families are affected by ME.
“Having ME is an uphill battle with relatively little understanding in the general community. It's easy to feel lost and alone on top of the life changing symptoms. Donating to the campaign is vital to the support you are able to offer people like me and my daughter. Please donate.”
