From The Hinckley Times, 21 April 2011
A TEENAGER who lives every day with the difficulties of ME is planning a top night of entertainment to raise money and awareness about the illness.
Charlotte Mawdsley, 19, found out that she had Myalgic Encephalopathy – an illness which leaves her completely exhausted – two years ago while she was studying at John Cleveland College (JCC).
But instead of feeling sorry for herself, the keen dancer is turning the situation to her advantage and is helping others with the charity fundraiser, which is planned to take place on May 12 to link with national ME Awareness Day.
The teen, who helps to teach dance classes at JCC and is also in the Concordia Youth Theatre, has used her inside contacts to come up with a line-up of local artists, some of whom are already at stage school, and Tayla-Blue Mitchell-Jarvis, who has just been signed to a record company.
Charlotte, of Aldin Way, Hinckley, said: “Since being diagnosed with ME I have been taken on – albeit unwillingly – the most incredible journey.
“I have learnt how tough I am, how hard I can work and most importantly I have learnt how incredibly lucky I am to be supported by my friends and family and accepted, despite this illness.
“I’ve raised money in the past for the two main ME Charities – Association of Young People with ME and The ME Association – and this year me and my dad thought that rather than several small events we would put on one single event.
“Our regret at the moment is that we didn’t book for two nights – as early indications show that we can easily fill the venue once.”
Charlotte is organising the night with her dad, Adrian, and is hoping to hand over £1,500 to each of the charities.
Tickets cost £7.50 for adults, £5 for children and OAPs, £30 for family tickets and £10 for enhanced tickets and can be ordered by calling 07907 317978.
Go to www.justgiving.com/Charlotte-Mawdsley to donate money to the cause.