Further to the Achievement Awards piece about our charity's work (The Argus, April 29), we would like to clarify that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME affects about 5,000 adults and children across Sussex, many of whom are virtually house-bound and in need of care.

Even though illnesses of this type have appeared in the medical literature since 1750 and the World Health Organisation classifies it as neurological disorder, it was the publication of a report from the Government's Chief Medical Officer in 2002 that has led to real progress.

The report clearly acknowledges CFS/ME as a serious physical illness and calls for improved services to be provided for this previously-neglected patient group.

As a result, more NHS specialist services across the country are being set up, including those becoming operational in Sussex this month.

The new Sussex multi-disciplinary team will provide confirmation diagnosis, allowing symptom control and disease management plans to be administered.

Joe Marsh, development officer, Sussex ME/CFS Society, Hove

-www.measussex.org.uk