“My diagnosis of M.E. this year hit us both like a tonne of bricks”, writes Claire Harvey as she nominates her mum Wendy Batten to receive one of the 100 M.E. Association hampers in our Christmas give-away competition.
“I have had ongoing health issues for over 20 years and my mum has been by my side every step of the way. The overwhelming feeling of helplessness and the constant turmoil of ‘Will this ever end?” haunts us both still to this day.
Claire and Wendy both live in Swadlincote, Derbyshire. They’re both amazing survivors.
“No matter how much pain in life my mum has endured herself, she has always helped me and other in any way she can. We’ve had to battle through so much together – such as the loss of my 19-year-old brother, many other family bereavements, domestic violence and health scares.
“It breaks my heart to see my mum in tears at times because she feels so powerless. I need her to see how incredible she really is. After everything she has been through, she still strives to help anyone she can.”
What about Wendy herself? Claire writes:
“She works as a carer and runs a day group for people with disabilities, cares for me, is always there for any friends, family or anybody for that matter. If she can help, she will.
“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the selfless, kind, caring, huge heart of my mum.”
Over the next month, we will be making random selections from the people you nominate and sending them Christmas hampers. With their permission, we will be featuring some of the stories they have provided.
Please don’t stop making nominations. We’ve received 155 so far so there’s a very good chance your nominee could receive one.
To nominate you must be a member of the ME Association, or nominating someone who is a member. And the person you nominate must live in the UK.