From The Life of Pippa Blog. I firmly believe that there’s no such thing as too many acts of kindness. In light of our current circumstances, it’s been so heartwarming to see that a decent proportion of the general public are shining bright and coming forward to volunteer, doing all they can to help […]
By Pippa, in Life of Pippa. [AD] This piece is sponsored by CareCo Ltd and features affiliate links. More information can be found at the bottom of this post! Something that comes up a lot in conversation is how I negotiate living independently whilst dealing with long-term chronic fatigue. And whilst that’s […]
By Pippa in HUFFPOST. Last month, Sport England and a number of partnering charities launched a new campaign aimed at people living with long-term health conditions. We Are Undefeatable, they called it – making a statement on behalf of the millions of people living with these illnesses in the UK. As a member of the […]
By Pippa, from The Life Of Pippa Blog. If you’ve ever visited York, you’ll know it’s an absolute goldmine for cute and quirky independent businesses. You could visit a different indie coffee shop for breakfast every weekend, and in my former years as a student (prior to becoming a wheelchair-user), that’s pretty much […]
From the Life of Pippa Blog. Since I started blogging, there’s one question I’ve consistently been asked more than any other: how I found my flexible, work from home opportunities. If you don’t already know, I split my time between social media management and content creation in the charity sector, self-employment as […]
From the Life Of Pippa Blog. Back in September 2013 when I moved to York for university, it’s safe to say my new friends and I fully made the most of life in the city and all it had to offer. As a non-disabled student at the time, there were no barriers holding […]
From the Life of Pippa Blog. Ever since I started theatre blogging and my chronic illness-friendly reviews, I’ve had messages asking about how I book my access tickets and ensure my needs are met. It’s one of those things that I’ve been doing for so long now that it’s become second nature, so […]
By Pippa in her Life of Pippa Blog. Whilst this may be a bit of a niche post, I wanted to share my eventful first experience of public transport abroad as a wheelchair user, travelling from Disneyland Paris to Paris Gare Du Nord. It was a lack of clear information online that prompted […]
From the Life Of Pippa Blog. This piece was originally written for Scope’s online community, but I never got around to sharing it on my blog. It was this time last year that we were in Disneyland Paris living our very best lives, so here’s something of a throwback… Something I often consider is […]
By Pippa in her Life Of Pippa blog. I once saw a quote reading “when you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance”, and it really stuck with me. I absolutely love the sentiment of supporting independent creators, all the more so when I know they’re […]
By Pippa, in Life Of Pippa. This post and associated social media posts are kindly sponsored by Triple 7 Events. Find out more about them and book some bargains on their website here [AD]. Let’s be honest: being a theatregoer certainly isn’t the most affordable hobby in the world, particularly as a disabled young person. Whilst […]
From Life Of Pippa. Since being diagnosed with my long-term condition, I’ve realised that there’s a huge correlation between professional dance and chronic illness. For me, it was ballet. I trained intensively all throughout my childhood and early teens and was lucky to enjoy some ultimate highs and accomplishments, until (in a nutshell) […]
Hi Everyone. ‘My name is Pippa, and I’m a chronically ill writer and blogger at Life Of Pippa. I’m originally from Sheffield, but moved to York for university and have been here ever since! I’ve had ME/CFS since I was a teenager, but was only diagnosed in 2014, following a relapse at the age of […]
From the Life Of Pippa blog. Although I’m not a particularly superstitious person, there’s always been something about the number 18 in my family. It’s when all the birthdays and anniversaries and life events seem to fall, it’s the addresses we live at, and it always seems to be an intrinsically lucky […]
From The Life of Pippa Blog. So, let’s talk about working with a chronic illness. Since I started blogging, there’s one question I’ve consistently been asked more than any other: how I got my flexible, work from home job. If you don’t already know, I split my time between employment with a well-known UK […]
By Pippa Stacey in The Mighty. If my story was part of an inspirational movie, dramatic music would play while I’d look meaningfully into the camera and gush about how becoming chronically ill changed my life for the better. I’d clasp my hands together and preach about how my condition helped me to […]
From The Life Of Pippa. As I’m sure many of you have seen, comedian Tanyalee has had her fair share of public transport issues lately. From being asked to move her mobility scooter to give priority to a passenger with a folding pram, to literally being left on a train when assistance failed […]
From The Life of Pippa Blog. If you’re new to my blog, hello and a warm welcome! I’m Pippa, I’m 23, and I have a rather inconvenient chronic illness: you can find out more about me here. I’ve used a transit wheelchair for the last three years as my mobility has decreased, and I recently […]
By Pippa in Scope. My name is Pippa, and I’m a psychology graduate living with chronic illness. I blog about accessible theatre, lifestyle and fundraising at Life Of Pippa, and today I’d like to talk about what I wish others knew about accessible employment. When I was at university, I thought that completing my studies […]
By Pippa, from her Blog ‘Life of Pippa’. “WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU, THEN?” There’s no ideal time to acquire a long-term chronic illness, but becoming disabled halfway through your undergraduate degree has to be up there in the Least Convenient Life Situations list. Adapting to the student experience whilst learning to live with […]
As you will know, Hansard is an edited verbatim record of all matters discussed in Parliament and records all votes and written ministerial statements. You may be interested in when ME has been mentioned, and so a link to that record is below.
Carol Monaghan SNP spoke in Westminster Hall about the need for support and funds for ME Research. Many other MP's spoke passionately on the subject as it affects their constituents UK wide. Click on the link below to watch the full debate.
There has since been an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) formed to discuss the way ahead in helping MP's Constituents with ME. Contact your MP to ensure they're representing you !
To watch the video of Carol Monaghan MP addressing Parliament on M.E., click on the link below:
There are so many questions banded about as to the story of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), but this video gives a better and fuller insight than most. Once you've watched it, please copy the link and spread the word to raise awareness. Thank you.
To watch this video, click on the link below:
The York Access Group is a Facebook group which is aimed at improving Accessibility in York for those trying to get around with a Disability. Feedback on bad, and good Accessibility of shops, streets, cafes, restaurants and any other facilities are welcomed.
It's also the place to discuss mobility aids from walking sticks to scooters. If this sounds like a group for you, you're most welcome !
As we all know, especially those who need Wheelchairs or Mobility Scooters to get around, vehicles parking on pavements and blocking our way can have a major effect on our lives. It can mean that we are likely to put ourselves in danger by going onto busy roads because of inconsiderate parking. 
If you live in York, and you see a vehicle parked across a dropped kerb, call the council's hotline on 0800 138 1119 and the Civil Enforcement Officers will respond and are able to issue tickets. We know this won't help you right then and there, but the hope is that the more people report it, the more people get tickets, then slowly behaviour will start to change.
Would you like to help your local community ?
By current research, there are around 800 people in the York area suffering from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). This might include the work colleagues you haven't seen in some time, or your friends and family, maybe one of the lads who hasn't turned up for five-a-side for a while.
There's information at the top of this site to explain how it affects people and ruins lives. These are your neighbours; would you like to help ? To read the rest of this request, click on the link below:
After a pretty tough time, the guys riding as part of The Nomadic Knights group, made it to Everest Base Camp. I hope we can use this story to gain interest from media sources to help raise awareness for us all. It's the least the guys deserve for all their efforts.
19 May 2017.
“Very pleased to report that we reached Mt Qomolangma (Everest) Base Camp with the ME Awareness Flag at 1528hrs on Thursday 18th May. Three and a half hours after we had planned but time in Tibet can sometimes be very fluid. The base camp is located at 5200m, walking to the final destination was challenging in itself due to low oxygen levels.
Conditions at base camp were extremely windy (good for flag flying) with intermittent clouds with no particular destination in mind and the sun was not ideal for photos."
The York ME Community
@YorkMEAwareness
One of the major questions raised is the blending of ME with CFS. This chart on the Hummingbirds site illustrates the many differences between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).
Time For Unrest: Why Patients With ME Are Demanding Justice.
If you want the full story on ME and will read just one article about it this year, please make it this one,
Are you a member of a York based Sports or Fitness Club ? Looking for a local cause to run or do an activity for ? The York ME Community are looking to be 'adopted' by anyone willing to maybe run for us and help raise our profile. There are likely to be around 800-1,000 people of all ages in the York area with ME who would be so very grateful for your help.
We had a brilliant day at York Explore Library raising ME Awareness. Lots of interest in what we're doing from local health groups, charities, the council and most heart warmingly, from those dealing with ME themselves who now know we're here for them.
If you'd like to hear more about ME, get in touch.
As has been stated by Dr Sarah Jarvis and others, it’s possible that the Coronavirus could trigger M.E. in those people who get through the worst of the virus, and are seen to be in the recovery phase.
Please do not think that once you’re in that phase that you should just get back to your normal routine. As someone who has just passed his 14th anniversary with ME, the most important thing you can do is rest.
Resting should be from both physical and mental / cognitive activities.
Do not push beyond what your body is telling you. Your head might tell you something different, and you’ll be keen to make up for lost time, but please take advantage of this lockdown to recover properly. If you push beyond your limited energies now, and M.E. follows, it could change your life for years to come.
Be sensible and rest up. Take care.
Those within the ME Community have always known how damaging being prescribed Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) can be to their future health. We have a broken energy production system and therefore normal rules do not apply. The PACE Trial tried to show that it helps, but has been debunked by scientists and researchers worldwide. The PACE Trial in fact is now held up as an example of how NOT to conduct such trials.
To understand better the truth of GET and The PACE Trial, click on the link below to watch two short videos.
Dr Byron Hyde has dedicated his medical career to looking into M.E.
In this interview Dr. Byron Hyde, founder of the Nightingale Research Foundation in Ottawa, Canada, emphasizes the brain and enteroviruses. He also emphasizes his belief that Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are separate issues.
To watch this interview on YouTube, click on the link below:
We are the ME/CFS Biomedical Partnership, a collaboration between researchers and people with ME/CFS, carers and the public.
The DecodeME DNA study aims to help us understand the disease and ultimately find treatments.
To read more, or get involved, click on the link below:
This is open to any organisation looking to have a bit of fun whilst supporting your local community. We're underway now for the current season but will be recruiting teams for our 6th season around July 2021. Although the aim is spreading ME Awareness, as a bonus we have also raised over £920.00 for Invest in ME Research, so why not join us ?
To join in for next season, click on the Fantasy Football League tab at the top of the site for all the information you'll need.
Written Question to the Department of Health and Social Care on 22 May 2018 by Carol Monaghan SNP, answered by Caroline Dinenage Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
| Financial Year | £ |
| 2014-15 | 280,442 |
| 2015-16 | 295,626 |
| 2016-17 | 130,958 |
To read the ME Research Summary 2019 by ME Action covering the last ten years, click on the link below:
The York Inset Scooter Club is based in York (UK) and has a membership of around 250.
They are a thriving, active club and look to support local charities when they can. They have an annual Mods and Rockers charity ride out, and for 2019 supported The York ME Community.
They headed off from The York Eye (Clifford’s Tower) on Sun 28 Apr on a run out to the coast, set off by the Mayor of York and the York Normandy Veterans.
All money raised will be used to raise the profile of ME in York through posters being produced and put up in local business premises, clubs, schools, GP Surgeries and venues.
I had a very productive meeting with Cllr Aspden and Cllr Runciman of City of York Council where they have stated they will back efforts to raise awareness of ME, understanding that much more is needed to increase understanding of this debilitating disorder, in York and across the UK. I will be aiming to keep up the pressure to ensure future support.
The motion put before Council with regard to support in raising ME Awareness in York was passed unanimously !
The City of York Council has followed through on their promise by lighting up the city walls and Clifford's Tower in blue over the ME Awareness Weeks since that meeting.
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The first Monday of each month at 11 am - The York ME Community Coffee Club at Bar Convent, 17 Blossom Street, York. There is parking available just around the corner at Nunnery Lane Car Park. Blue Badge holders can park for free.
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The third Wednesday of each month - at 2 pm - The York ME Community Coffee Club at The Novotel, York. Parking is free at the hotel.
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Weekly - Every Wed, 8 pm - 9 pm on Twitter, ME Awareness Hour using the #MEAwarenesshour hashtag.
