Robert Lee had always wished to make the 110km pilgrimage from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, but, as with many things, life got in the way. One of those hurdles ultimately became a drive to complete the challenge: his wife Angie's diagnosis of ME.
The arduous walk can be difficult for anyone of any age, and at 75, Robert thought there was no way he could even consider attempting the trip. However, after finding a company that makes the journey more accessible for older people (but by no means a walk in the park), he had a way to achieve his goal. Set on a mission and determined to fulfil a life's ambition, Robert began thinking about a reason for doing such a strenuous hike. Charity was that reason, and there was only one he felt he owed so much to over the last few years.
Robert’s Wife, Angie, was officially diagnosed with ME two years after the COVID outbreak, although her specialist believes she had been living with it for many years before. Since then, her symptoms have ranged from moderate at best to severe at worst, resulting in two stays in hospital.
This was not helped by living in Northamptonshire, where there is no specialist ME/CFS referral service available. The closest is in Oxford, to which a referral from their GP is essential. As many people who suffer with ME/CFS know, the experience and knowledge of many GPs in reference to the condition can be incredibly limited, as was the case with Angie. Eventually they succeeded in obtaining a referral. However, The Churchill Hospital would do no more than diagnose, unable to offer management plans or further help to a patient from Northamptonshire.
During this time, they reached out to the ME Association, where they were finally greeted with help. The ME Association provided essential information and support; with Dr Charles Shepherd, MEA Hon. Medical Adviser, staying on a call well after working hours to provide thought-out and detailed advice (much to the chagrin of his wife, who waited for their delayed night out). For Robert and Angie, this support was something they had struggled to find elsewhere. Finally, they had not just help but also someone to talk to about their situation and a community that understood what they were going through. The ME Association provided material to the local hospital, ultimately enabling the formation of a management plan; allowing them to understand what was going on and how to progress further.
The ME Association (alongside Forward ME) strives to change the way ME/CFS is understood in places such as Northamptonshire, making it easier for people like Angie to access the help they need, when they need it, rather than having to continually convince others of the seriousness of their condition. The ME Association supports people through all stages of their illness and strive to see everyone get the help they need, whether that's through the resources and information we offer on our website, or through ME Connect, our free support line for people with ME/CFS and Long Covid.
Therefore, when looking for a charity to support, Robert reasoned that, “as they have helped us so much over the last two years”, he should help give something back.
During our conversation, Robert was very optimistic, but “not 100% confident”. He has put the training in over the Northamptonshire countryside, but the Spanish mountains are a different beast entirely.
The donations that have been coming in have kept Robert’s resolve when it could otherwise have wavered, so please considering donating to Robert's Just Giving page, linked below.
Not only will your support help the ME Association's ambitions to help more people like Angie, but it will also put more eyes on Robert, pushing him all the way through the ninth and longest day, after an already arduous hike!
Please Note: Due to unavoidable travel interruptions, Robert has had to delay his trip, but he's still raring to go and hoping to reschedule for spring next year!
Robert Lee: Hiking for the ME Association
Want to take on your own challenge for the MEA?
