I HAVE suffered from the severe disabling fatigue of ME for just over a year (Fury as ME help course scrapped, The Press, May 13).

My doctor referred me to the local ME course at Bootham Park Hospital, only to receive a reply that this service had been withdrawn.

I was referred to the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/ME service at Harrogate District Hospital.

It is a 30-mile round trip and not ideal when you suffer from ME/CFS.

Nevertheless, this service is run by a fantastic team. I have been attending weekly/fortnightly appointments with the occupational therapist, team leader and physiotherapist since then.

ME/CFS is a severe disabling fatigue with impairs a person’s ability to function in occupational, social or personal activities by at least 50 per cent.

Sadly, there is no cure, but the team at Harrogate teach you how to manage the condition. Physiotherapy is also used to keep flexibility and strengthen weakened muscles and for general well being.

ME is a recognised condition, but can be an extremely lonely one – sufferers need advice and support, we need more of these services and especially local ones.

Lesley Perkins, Windsor Drive, Wigginton, York.