From the Milton Keynes Citizen, January 6, 2015
A retired teacher has been hailed by the Prime Minister for setting up
the UK’s largest charity for children and young people with Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome. Dr Jill Moss, 72, set up the ‘Association of Young
People with ME’ (AYME), in 1996, having suffered with the disease
herself for four years. The charity has since helped over 9,000 young
people living with the condition. Now she has been handed a Points Of
Light award, which was set up last year to recognise outstanding
volunteers who make a change in their community.
Dr Jill said: ‘This is a real honour. It’s not easy to get the
time to step back and take a look at what has been achieved when there
is still so much to do to break through the misunderstanding that
plagues this illness. I thank all concerned for this award and hope
that it may be an inspiration to others that if you keep battling on,
amazing things happen.’
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome also known as ME, causes a wide range of
symptoms, including intense tiredness, aches and pains, and can make
it very difficult for people to concentrate or perform everyday tasks
easily. Symptoms can come and go and vary from person to person, with
some people only mildly affected while others struggle to manage
normal school or working hours and may have to cut back a lot on their
social life. A small percentage of patients have to stay in bed and
are not able to look after themselves or eat properly.
Jill experienced exclusion and isolation first-hand during her illness
and felt particularly concerned about the affect it must have on young
people with the condition. Meeting some and hearing their stories
inspired her to write a self-help book called Somebody Help ME and set
up the Association of Young People with ME charity in 1996. She
recruits volunteers who have ME themselves, helping both those who
need immediate support and those on the path to recovery who need work
experience to enter the working world. Since it was founded the
charity has provided support and information to around 9,000 children
and young people.
Prime Minister David Cameron, said: ‘For many young people living with
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Jill’s efforts are life-changing, providing
an empathetic ear and a crucial link to the outside world. Not only
does Jill’s work directly help those in need of support, but she is
also giving people the chance to empower themselves through
volunteering. I am delighted to be awarding Jill with a Point of Light.’
