A HELPING hand is being offered to young people in Herefordshire suffering with M.E.

A national report has highlighted what it calls the desperate plight of such youngsters, saying they are unable to maintain friendships, become isolated and lose all hope of leading independent lives.

A large proportion are also said to face difficulties with the education system, and with disbelief in their doctors.

Many of the 70 young people in Herefordshire with M.E could be affected and Herefordshire CFS/ME/FMS Group wants to hear from any who suffer from the illness.

"By building a picture of the local situation, we will be better placed to represent their interests," said John Simpson, publicity officer for the local group.

"With symptoms such as exhaustion to the point of collapse, not eased by long hours of sleep, severe pain, cognitive impairment or brain fog and very limited concentration, there is clearly an urgent need for appropriate care to be made available in all areas of life, such as social, health care and education," he said.

The concern over young people with M.E. was expressed in a report published by the Association of Young People with M.E. to mark M.E Awareness Week.

Young sufferers or their carers can contact Mr Simpson on 01432 850426, by e-mailing HerefordMEGroup@care4free.net or writing to him at 2 Croft Close, Bartestree, Hereford, HR1 4DJ.

"The Hereford Group will do everything possible to help," he promised.