By Veronica Vivona in The Mighty. Living with constant pain can be extremely frustrating. When you don’t feel comfortable, you might develop some habits designed to make things more manageable. You might have back pain that makes it hard to sit in certain chairs. You could potentially have widespread pain that makes it difficult to […]
By Bree Hogan in The Mighty. I can walk, but I can’t walk very far, and it’s always with pain and fatigue. I can stand, just not for very long. I use a mobility scooter — a small version of an electric wheelchair — and walking sticks. Limited as my mobility is, I’m still made […]
By Kalee Oravec in The Mighty. I’ve been sick my whole life. I’ve never been able to keep up with my friends because of fatigue, and my pain interfered with all of my past hobbies. You might think I’m used to it by now, but I’m not. No, it still sucks. A lot. It sucks because I […]
By Tiffany Early in The Mighty. My husband and I had a conversation about how others perceive my illness the other day. It wasn’t a confrontational conversation — it was more the random musings that happen when you’re waiting for dinner to come out of the oven. Joe mentioned that a mutual friend had once […]
By Lisa Alioto in The Mighty. For the past six years I have lived with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). It’s a multi-system disease that affects the neurological, endocrine, immune and energy metabolism systems. Its hallmark symptom is post-exertional malaise (PEM). PEM is a reduction in functioning and a severe worsening of symptoms after even minimal exertion. […]
By Claire Brumback in The Mighty. “Why doesn’t anyone believe me?” I ask myself this question too often. I have chronic pain and suffer with it every day, but no one believes me. On days I can’t get out of bed, or days I go to the ER because the pain is unbearable, […]
By Heidi in The Mighty. Whenever I am scrolling through chronic illness forums online, I usually come across posts about mobility aids. Having postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, I understand what it feels like to use mobility aids in public without an obvious physical disability. “But you don’t look sick.” “Are you […]
By Siobhain Simper in The Mighty. As you may be aware, living with a debilitating chronic illness is no fun: the challenges thrown at you by a disease which dictates your every move can be overwhelming. But today, I’m choosing to celebrate the bright side. By putting a positive spin on […]
By Sally Doherty in The Mighty. I’ve had some of those awful days recently (they happen now and then, and more often than I’d like). You know the type: days when instead of your bed being somewhere that you go to rest, your bed becomes a prison that you can barely get out of. […]
By Britt Renee in The Mighty. It seems like getting familiar with loneliness is inherent in living the chronic illness life. This loneliness doesn’t come from being literally and physically alone, though I’m learning there is a decent amount of “alone time” one has to learn to appreciate when being chronically ill. […]
By Renee Fabian in The Mighty. If you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic illness and experienced trauma, you may have some uneasy feelings about the connection between the two. After all, some doctors who don’t really understand tricky conditions like fibromyalgia or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), for example, might be quick to tell you your symptoms are […]
By Sarah Mariann Martland in The Mighty. This is a love letter to all those for whom showering is repeatedly a laborious exercise, physically, emotionally or both. To those who spend days putting it off because you know just how exhausting or painful it feels, right down to your bones, just to stand under the […]
By Asa Lovell in The Mighty. No one prepares you for the grief and feelings of inadequacy you get when you have chronic illnesses. They make such a huge impact on your life that they derail you, stop you from achieving the things you’re working for in the time you’d planned. You […]
By Sophie Cooklynne in The Mighty. Downstairs, my two-year-old son, Lucas, is playing. He’s a beautiful, clever and sweet little boy who lights up my entire world. Upstairs, I lie in a single bed, trapped in the shell of a body; bedridden permanently and suffering dozens of symptoms that mean that […]
By Laurel Younis in The Mighty. OK, here it – the biggest and most important secret you will need to survive chronic illness. The key to surviving chronic illness is surviving it in any way you can. Now I know what you may be thinking, “Really? Is this seriously the advice you’re giving […]
By Juliana Philippa Kerrest in The Mighty. Something I greatly struggle with are the emotional ups and downs that come with dealing with a chronic illness. I have three chronic conditions that have affected me to varying degrees throughout my life: psychological, neurological, and autoimmune. Most of the time, I handle it relatively well; I […]
By Shell Pettifer in The Mighty. “Chronic fatigue, my arse!” I have a confession to make. I have oftentimes throughout my life internally judged people for being overly dramatic. There, I’ve said it. I am a closet censure. I am guilty of internal eye rolls, doubtful compassion and quite frankly some completely uneducated […]
By Simone DM in The Mighty. When you become ill, all you want is for others to be compassionate and understanding. Yet when you come down with something like ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), that not even your doctor comprehends, it’s a different story. Others are quick to pass judgement, believing you are somehow causing your […]
By Emma England in The Mighty. One of the most frustrating things about living with CFS/ME (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) is that most of the time, I don’t “look” ill, and so people may not understand the fact that there’s anything wrong with me. CFS/ME falls into the category described as […]
By Erin Migdol in The Mighty. When you have an illness that is invisible, complex and/or difficult to treat, that sometimes translates into challenging experiences with doctors. While there are many kind, compassionate doctors out there who are willing to put in the time to figure out your health issues, unfortunately many in […]
By Michelle Levy in The Mighty. Getting sick is no laughing matter, but it often takes humor to be able to get through the ups and downs of chronic illness. While some of these comics make us laugh out loud in pained affirmation, mostly they raise awareness of chronic illness, and […]
By Lisa Alioto in The Mighty. When I was me… I always greeted you with a smile. I may have tried to say something funny to put a smile on your face and I was always excited about whatever plans we had for the day. When I was me… I worked out. Sweaty, […]
By Chelsea Morris in The Mighty. Balance! How do we achieve it? I think for any human being balance is very difficult. But for those of us with chronic pain and disease it seems to be even harder. I wake up one day and feel actually pretty good. So I want to accomplish more than […]
The medals glint on Whitehall
The Veterans glow with pride
The country’s politicians
Standing side by side
Rousing words are spoken
Solemn stories told
Politicians sing the praises
Of the old and oh so bold
But as these words all fade away
It seems it's just another day
For every poppy lying by their feet
A veteran sleeps out on the street
TV crews have all gone home
Veterans now left all alone
Returning to a desperate fate
Help them now, don't leave too late
For those who fought and gave their trust
The treatment given is so unjust
Those soldiers held in high esteem
Are being ignored, to an extreme
For those returning from the front
A new war is just beginning
For all those who came back to us
Inside their heads are spinning
A never ending torture
They live each and every day
The horrors they've seen
From the places they've been
Will never go away
The Covenant talks of treating fair
Well, none of that is working
The politicians preen and pose
While from responsibility, they’re shirking
To all in power or wish to be
There’s one thing that you have to see
Our poppies may be packed away
But our veterans’ needs are here to stay
Let’s show the world, let’s lead the way
Let it not be just a remembrance day
Let’s show the care that they deserve
Those who bravely went and served
Don’t let the pride and memories fade
Till it’s time to think of the next parade
From your responsibilities, no retreat
Get our comrades off the street.
Please don’t betray our girls and boys
Please give them all your loudest voice
Give them a home, give them care
Don’t leave them all alone out there
Homes fit for heroes
Lloyd George said
Not cardboard boxes in their stead
Maybe what he had to say
We’ll remember this Remembrance Day.
Bill Clayton
© 2019
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:
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.
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 Fulford York, the details of your local PCSO are below, and he should be contacted in the first instance. If he is not on duty, you may be dealt with by whoever is on duty. If you live in other areas of York, ring 101 and ask for the PCSO covering your area. In all cases, you will be required to give as much information about the vehicle and location as possible. You will NOT need to stay by the vehicle till the police arrive.
Simon Hall
PCSO 5648
North NPT
NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE
Dial 101, press option 2 and ask for him by his full name or collar number
If using his collar number please state each number individually
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
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 !
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.
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.
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.
