Help us pay for vital research

MORE than 1,700 people in the Bristol area are thought to suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, one of the world's most misunderstood, baffling and debilitating diseases. CFS, also known as ME, ravages patients who suffer prolonged, exhausting fatigue even after the slightest activity. The effect on the quality of life of sufferers is substantial. Holding down a job can become difficult or impossible and some patients become completely housebound. It affects both men and women, young and old alike and can have devastating consequences for families. Nationally, some 33,000 children are affected. The cause is unclear and there is, as yet, no known cure. It's estimated the disease costs the UK more than £2bn a year in benefits, lost taxation and medical care.

Of all the symptoms, which include insomnia, loss of short term memory and concentration, gastric disorders and migraine, perhaps the worst is muscle and joint pain and lymph node pain. Many endure chronic widespread pain and sufferers do not respond well to normal painkillers.

The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Foundation, a registered UK charity, is funding a new three year study into the causes of heightened pain. The research will examine whether pain in CFS/ME is primarily due to problems in the muscles themselves or whether it is more due to how the brain and spinal cord process pain. The researchers, at Barts Hospital, the London Medical School, Imperial College and Imanova, will use state of the art brain imaging techniques to try to find out which brain chemical targets would be worth manipulating as potential new treatments of pain in CFS/ME.

We're asking for support to help fund this research. You can donate through our website, www.cfsrf.org.uk or by post to: CFS Research Foundation, 2, The Briars, Sarratt, Herts. WD3 6AU.