A BRAVE woman from Wadebridge is sharing an insight into the realities of severe ME and the urgent need for greater awareness and understanding.

Hailee Williams, 42, spends most of her life confined to her bedroom, living with constant pain, debilitating exhaustion, migraines and severe cognitive difficulties.

It is estimated that at least 404,000 people in the UK have ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), also known as CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome). The severity and intensity of ME symptoms means that people can be house or bed bound for years.

Hailee’s first experience of ME came during her teenage years after developing glandular fever. The illness became so severe that she was forced to leave secondary school and spent four years bedbound.

After several good years, she sustained an injury during a workout, a double hip replacement and gallbladder surgery followed within the same year. Hailee’s health began to deteriorate and her ME relapsed.

To help her remain as independent as possible, adaptations have been made to her bedroom, including a kettle and mini-fridge. Leaving the house is extremely rare, apart from for essential appointments.

Hailee said: "One of the hardest parts of living with severe ME is feeling invisible. I want healthcare professionals to see me, believe me and support me, but I have had to fight for appropriate care, even when I was too ill to advocate for myself.”

Although Hailee’s life looks very different today, she remains focused on hope: "I don't grieve the life I once had. I'm grateful for the experiences I enjoyed and the memories I made. Hope is what keeps me going. It is what helps me face each day. Without that hope, it would be much harder to endure the challenges that severe ME brings."

For further information and support, visit The ME Association meassociation.org.uk/about-the-mea/campaigns/severe-me-week