Civic reception for Newry and Mourne ME/FM Support Group sets scene for a new Northern Ireland Alliance

February 21, 2012


Members of Newry and Mourne ME/FMS Support Group were honoured with a civic reception given by the Lord Mayor of Newry, Councillor Charlie Casey, at the council headquarters in Monaghan Row yesterday (February 20). They used the occasion as an opportunity to bang the drum for a new alliance for people with ME/CFS in Northern Ireland.

Mrs Joan McParland (pictured sitting next to the Lord Mayor), who led the delegation, introduced ME Alliance Northern Ireland (MEANI), which comprises representatives of the following local groups: Newry and Mourne, Belfast, Mid-Ulster, Mid-Down, Portadown/Armagh and Dungannon.

“This event was a great opportunity to raise awareness and dispel misperceptions surrounding our illness”, said Mrs McParland. “As a direct result of the reception, we will shortly be meeting with members of The Health Committee to voice our concerns on the total lack of services for patients in Northern Ireland.”

The Newry and Mourne Group has also thrown its weight behind an event in Belfast on Thursday, March 1 – when New York-based physician Dr Derek Enlander will be speaking at the Lansdowne Court Hotel, 657 Antrim Road, Belfast BT15 4EF, at 7.30pm. Dr Enlander's clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital specialises in research and treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Dr Enlander was born in Co Tyrone and trained in Belfast.

If you would like to attend this event, please let the organisers know in advance so an idea of numbers can be obtained. Admission will be free but a collection will be made for M.E. research. Email: megray29@googlemail.com or tel: 07880 842 586 or 07749 653 573

2 thoughts on “Civic reception for Newry and Mourne ME/FM Support Group sets scene for a new Northern Ireland Alliance”

  1. More discussion about ME is expected on Ulster TV tonight (Tuesday, 21 February) from 10.30pm – following a good session at the same time last week, when the programme featured 11-year-old Andrew McGorrian who is confined to his bed with the illness. Dr Derek Enlander, who researches and treats M.E. and Fibromyalgia in his clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, and London-based ME/CFS specialist Dr William Weir will be among those taking part.

  2. Great work.
    Yet trying to undo it– on the 29th in Malahide we’re to have Prof P. White at the RCP conf. talking on “M.E or CFS; belief or science?”
    Great shame.

Comments are closed.

Shopping Basket