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ME on air |
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After speaking to Jo, a researcher from BBC Newcastle about ME North East, she was really impressed with our work, in particular our support to young people and families, and wanted to get ME on radio. She asked for further details and contacts of health professionals and individuals who would be willing to participate. The result was a great awareness raising opportunity on the Alfie and Charlie breakfast show on Friday 26th February 2010.
A mum and daughter were interviewed and spoke movingly about how ME affects not only the person but the whole family. Dr. Bill Lamb, Consultant Paediatrician for County Durham and Darlington spoke about how the illness affects young people and the problems faced by children not only coping with ME but having to prove this illness. He also acknowledged the fact that it is unlikely the NHS will provide dedicated ME services for children and young people in the foreseeable future. Jennifer went to the studio to do a live interview about the work of ME North East, the lack of dedicated CFS/ME therapy services for young people and the severely affected, and the continuing struggle to fund our projects. What we didn’t plan for was the fantastic response from a number of local people sharing their frustrations and personal struggles. One elderly man was given air time to rubbish the illness, and despite the knee jerk reaction of anger at his misguided beliefs, his call only served to demonstrate the bigoted attitude that demeans such a devastating and debilitating chronic condition. ME continued to be mentioned in each news bulletin throughout the day, and on behalf of everyone involved in putting the message across WE THANK YOU. |