Campaigners gather calling for greater support for M.E sufferers

Crowds of demonstrators gathered outside Tynwald earlier today demanding more support for those suffering with M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis).

Campaigners are urging for greater awareness and treatment for the condition which is understood to directly affect around 300 individuals on the Isle of Man.

M.E is a severe, complex, acquired physical illness with numerous symptoms - some people are only mildly affected but for a large number lives are changed drastically and can result in someone being housebound or confined to bed for months or years.

It also comes as Arbory, Castletown & Malew MHK, Graham Cregeen , will move for a general debate to be carried out in Tynwald this week to discuss the illness. 

Juan Corlett, who's struggled with the condition over the past eight years had to seek private help in the UK.

Ahead of today's protest, he stated: "“In our view, an M.E. service could be implemented, virtually overnight, using existing staff members and with little disruption to their other responsibilities.

"The key role would be for an Occupational Therapist, working alongside GPs.

"Some oversight and assistance would be required, although this would reduce over time and we have offered the department the details of individuals who could provide this oversight.”