In 1996 I collapsed. My whole body just gave up and I was eventually diagnosed with the debilitating illness, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).

Until that time, I was extremely fit and active. I walked my dog twice a day - long walks across Scottish islands. I even climbed Ben Nevis.

I rode and looked after my horse and organised treks and camps for the local Pony Club. I led circle dance groups and went to yoga classes. I had a full-time job and was training to become a counsellor. My life was happy and full and busy.

All this changed in February 1996. I became so ill that I was disabled and bedbound almost overnight. Eight years later, I am very little better. I am in constant pain and my only contact with the outside world is from my bed which I have beside the bedroom window so I can watch people coming and going outside.

Four years ago, I started The MEACH Trust (ME Accommodation and Care Homes) whose aim is to provide residential support and care for people with severe ME. There are many thousands of sufferers like me who are so severely affected that we are unable to benefit from the Government's £8.5 million to provide clinics and day centres.

Although the Government has at last recognised ME as a serious illness, it is not prepared to support residential homes.

My trust knows that the need does exist and is raising funds to provide residential nursing and specialist care, as well as supportive training in self-management for people who suffer from severe ME.

The good news is that after four years of hard work, we are beginning to see positive results. We have meetings planned with care providers with a view to partnership and we have a professional fundraiser working with trusts and grant-awarding bodies on our behalf.

There is still a long way to go but at least things are starting to happen.

I feel more positive and optimistic about the future now and I am sure the trust will be the way forward in helping people with severe ME to live a more independent life in spite of their incapacitating illness.

-Sue Sherlock, The MEACH Trust, 25 Turnpike Way, Ashington W Sussex RH20 3QG, 01903 891386 (not after 7 pm please)