In memory of Lynn Gilderdale

Today's blogpost is in memory of Lynn Gilderdale, tragically stricken down with M.E. at a young age and trapped by it in one of its severest forms until the age of 31, and for her loving mum Kay who tells us their story. It's also for everyone who knows someone, or is someone with M.E.

If you have ever said to someone with M.E. or CFS or another of the many invisible illnesses people struggle with every day,

"But you don't look sick/ill...." or "It's just mind over matter. I get tired too...."

because you thought they should be able to "snap out of it" by "positive thinking" or because you felt helpless at them "still" being ill when it became uncomfortable for you to deal with, and if you would have been shocked and offended by them not replying:

"Thank you. Glad you think so," or maybe "Well, I'm all the better for seeing you!" (as I very often say!), but rather:


"No, I don't look sick. You don't look stupid either..."


then maybe you'd better not read or listen to the links below. Or perhaps, all the more, you really should.

Please don't read further if you'd prefer to think of M.E./CFS as some joke or cushy "lifestyle choice". Or this will shock you and possibly upset you. It should. There are some difficult issues here, whatever you believe or don't believe about the sanctity of life and freedoms of choice. But some of us can't just look the other way on this one. Because we know at first hand some of the whirlwind of havoc M.E. can wreak in a vibrant, positive life.

Maybe you will find the wisdom, grace and compassion to try and understand more too. Maybe it will change the day of someone you know with this thankless monster of a disease. Maybe it will save somebody's life. Thank you.


Kay talks about her daughter Lynn Gilderdale's tragic struggle with M.E. (Kay's article in today's copy of the Daily Mail)

Kay interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour today