THE mother of a York woman who committed suicide after battling with ME for years has praised a new service which could provide a lifeline for other sufferers.

Sheila Barry, whose daughter, Carli, died in February 2000, said the new online discussion forum available on www.youngactiononline.com will allow parents of sufferers to make contact, share feelings and experiences, and learn from others in the same situation.

It is estimated that 25,000 children in the UK have ME - the biggest cause of long-term sickness absence from school.

The disabling neurological illness, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, causes pain and exhaustion.

Now Raisingkids.co.uk has teamed up with Tymes Trust charity for young sufferers to launch the Tymes Trust Forum.

Jane Colby, executive director of Tymes Trust, said: "We are delighted that parents of children with ME can now find new friends among those who share and understand their burden.

"A child's illness affects the whole family, and the need for support extends beyond office hours. That's why Raisingkids.co.uk is open 24-hours a day, for parents to share experiences and advice whenever they need to."

Carli Barry, 27, had suffered with ME for ten years and lived with her boyfriend, Danny Covell, in Cecilia Place, off Holgate Road.

Her body was found close to her home after a city-wide search for her.

Since her daughter's death Mrs Barry, who lives in Huby, has worked to raise awareness of the condition.

She said: "My daughter Carli chose to end her life as she could no longer fight the illness. Sufferers do find that many GPs will not visit as they do not understand the illness. Those severely affected are left to get on with it and generally no help whatsoever is offered

"This new service could be a lifeline for parents of children with the illness, who have no one to turn to, especially if they are experiencing problems with the Education Department and Social Services as they have had to keep their children off school.

"Many parents who know little of the illness, when their child is first diagnosed, have little idea of the best course of action. This new service will be a great help."

The forum is available 24 hours a day on www.youngactiononline.com and there is no charge for the service.

Updated: 09:50 Thursday, December 12, 2002