Abi hopes to set up ME support group (From Penarth Times)

Abi hopes to set up ME support group

A PENARTH teenager suffering the draining illness ME is hoping to set up a support group to help break her isolation.

Abi Trotman, 13, was diagnosed with ME two years ago while living in Hertfordshire. In July 2001 she moved to Penarth, but since then, because of ME, has not been able to go to school or make any friends.

Abi, who has home tuition in conjunction with St Cyres, said: "It started with a sore throat. It progressed and I started getting really tired.

"I used to sleep all day and be awake at night. It was a vicious circle."

She said: "I'm talking to someone with ME on the internet, but really I'd like to find someone in the area just to talk to."

Her mum Lindsay said: "It's difficult for Abi as she hasn't been able to go out and make friends. We're hoping that when she gets a bit better, she can go to school for a lesson or two a day."

Since getting ME, Abi has had a difficult time, both in coming to terms with it, and in not being believed.

According to Mrs Trotman, ME has long been an illness which people believed was "all in the mind".

However, she welcomed a recent report from the Chief Medical Officer informing doctors that they had to treat ME as a serious illness.

She said: "We were 'lucky' our daughter was diagnosed early in the illness. Some endure years of not being believed, made worse by forcing them into school believing it is 'all in the mind'.

"It's been awful to see Abi missing out on so much. I'd really like to speak to other parents in the area who have coped with similar problems."

If you would like to contact Abi or her parents, phone 2070 8147 or email lindsay.trotman@tinyworld.co.uk