Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party for Mid Scotland and Fife, has tabled a Motion (Motion reference: S6M-17226) to mark International ME Awareness Day at Holyrood stating:
That the Parliament marks International ME Awareness Day 2025 on 12 May and commends ME Research UK on the occasion of 25 years since its foundation; notes that the charity is dedicated to commissioning and funding biomedical research into the causes, consequences and treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
- believes that the disease, which affects at least 20,000 people in Scotland, is often misunderstood, mis-diagnosed and under-diagnosed, and is grievously under-researched;
- understands that the Perth-based charity has invested over £4.5 million in research with 68 research projects globally, four PhD-level projects and a Fellowship;
- further understands that, in terms of projects, the Perth-based charity is the largest funder of ME/CFS outwith North America, that it presently funds projects in Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, USA and the UK, and is funded entirely by individual donations, and extends its thanks for the work of ME Research UK in informing, influencing and investing in ME research globally.
Liz Smith's constituency includes Perth where ME Research UK is based – who engaged with her to raise this Motion.
Please consider contacting your MSP to support the motion. Find your MSP contact details below:
Template Letter
YOUR NAME
YOUR POSTAL ADDRESS
DATE
MSP NAME
MSP ADDRESS
RE: MOTION REFERENCE: S6M-17226)
Dear [MSP],
As one of your constituents, please may I ask you to kindly support the motion by Liz Smith, LibDem list MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife to mark International Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Awareness Day (12th May 2025)
https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S6M-17226
I would like to highlight this important issue and how the condition affects my daily life OR affects a family member * delete as appropriate:
[Please add your story here)
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome), is multisystemic disease involving the brain, muscle, immune and neuroendocrine (hormone producing) systems. Symptoms include disturbed sleep, cognitive dysfunction, persistent debilitating fatigue and post-exertional malaise (PEM) which are the four key symptoms for a diagnosis. Symptoms can also include chronic pain, stomach issues and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
As per the motion, it has been estimated to affect at least 20,000 people in Scotland, is often misunderstood, mis-diagnosed and under-diagnosed, and is grievously under-researched.
Research to develop effective diagnostic markers and treatment options is fundamental for decreasing the burdens of disease currently presented by ME/CFS. Research is vital as there is currently no effective treatment for this disease.
Please may I encourage you to support the important motion
Best wishes,
NAME
EMAIL (as appropriate)
[Please include the further information links below]
Further information
- The ME Association: Information for Healthcare Professionals
- Learn About ME initiative funded by the Healthcare Quality and Improvement Directorate with 12 podcasts available
- Learna StudyPRN: ME/CFS Module
- Edinburgh University: Decode ME – The world’s largest ME/CFS study