Colchester ME Support Group will be holding a tribute meeting for the late Dr Betty Dowsett at the Walsingham Road Community Hall, CO2 7BP – now better known as The Samaritans Hall – on Sunday, October 28, at 2pm. All are welcome.
In the latest newsletter of the neighbouring Chelmsford Link ME Group, Martin Rolfe reminds us of Dr Dowsett's hugely important role in fighting for early recognition of M.E. as a serious illness:
“I was very grateful to meet Dr E G Dowsett at a clinic she held at St Andrew's Hospital, Billericay in Oct 1989. My appointment lasted nearly one and a half hours. After a very thorough examination it was confirmed that I did, indeed, have ME.
“She was a stalwart ambassador for all ME Sufferers. She was also a great supporter, and often speaker, for the Essex ME Group. She was a welcome breath of fresh air to all of us for a condition that, today, is still struggling to be taken seriously by many professionals.
“Betty will be sadly missed as a friend to all ME sufferers alike.”
Please let Vivienne Mills, chairman of Colchester ME Support Group, know if you are planning to attend. Her phone number is 01206 530297. The line is protected against unwanted callers so please remember to tap in an extra ‘5' when prompted to do so.
Dr Dowsett, who was aged 91, died in Cambridge in June this year. Her daughter, Mrs Frances Johnson, plans to be at the meeting next Sunday. Early tributes published in the week after her death can be read HERE.