Parts of York’s historic city walls and Clifford’s Tower will be lit up every night until 13 May as the council shows its support for The York ME Community, who work to raise awareness of the disease.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms and affects 250,000 people in the UK. The most common symptom is extreme exhaustion, due to the energy production system of the body being severely affected.  This exhaustion can be caused by the slightest physical or mental exertion.

People with ME can have other symptoms, including; sleep problems, headaches, problems concentrating and fast or irregular heartbeats.  It can affect the cognitive function, mobility, speech, concentration and things such as light and sound can be extremely debilitating

The council’s support comes after the work of The York ME Community to increase awareness was recognised by a full council motion pledging the council’s support.

Councillor Carol Runciman, Executive Member for health and social care said: “The York ME Community do fantastic work across the city, raising awareness and supporting those affected and we are delighted to be supporting this important awareness week.

“ME affects people of all ages, including children. However the illness tends to develop between the mid-20s and mid-40s and is most prevalent in women.  This illness can have a huge impact on their lives and that of their families, which is why we have teamed up with the York ME Community to show our support and hopefully raise awareness.”

Bill Clayton, the York ME Community said: “ME was recognised as a neurological disorder by the World Health Organisation in 1969.  Since that time, little has been done to invest in research to find a cure.  To make this happen, we must raise awareness of an illness affecting millions across the world, and around 800 in the York area alone.  It is the aim of The York ME Community to bring on board businesses, clubs and volunteer group to help spread the word in the hope that one day there will be the research funding needed to find a cure.

“It is a huge step forward to receive such great support from City of York Council in this way.  To have some of York’s prominent buildings lit in blue will help us connect with other great cities across the world who will be doing the same in support of their communities.”

For more information on ME awareness week visit www.meassociation.org.uk. For information on the York ME Community visit www.york-me-community.org