TYMES · Toria Bicknell Young Advisers Victoria Western James Player Medical Advisers Dr Aloke...

EASTENDERS STAR SENDSSEASONAL MESSAGE

EXPLORING

ME and the FamilyWith Jill Curtis

Stars with ME

In Conversation withJane Colby

Published by Tymes TrustIn partnership with

www.youngactiononline.com

Seein

gSt

ars

TYMESMAGAZINE

Doctors with ME

Dr Anne MacintyreDr Charles Shepherd

The Young ME Sufferers TrustIssue 46 Winter 2003 £1-85

Dear Reader 3

Newshounds 4

What Makes You Smile? 6

Tymes Trust Team 8

The Sky’s the Limit 10

Behind The Scenes 11

Stars With ME 12

Message From Eastenders Star 13

Positive Response 14

Christmastide 15

Exploring: ME and the Family 16

Doctors With ME 18

Seb’s Manor 20

Quotes-we-like 22

Calling All Friends 23

Seeing Stars 24TYMES trust

Registered Charity Number 1080985

Patron Lord Clement-Jones CBEHonorary President Martin ArberChair of Trustees Keith HarleyTrustees Jennie Whitlock

Sally PlayerAlec Western

Executive Director Jane ColbyDesign Kerry-Ann EdgeAdvice Line Alison Ley

Barbara StentafordGillian StephensonJo MooneyMargaret HowittMeg DaffinPenny RootToria Bicknell

Young Advisers Victoria WesternJames Player

Medical Advisers Dr Aloke AgrawalDr Alan FranklinDr Charles ShepherdDr Darrel Ho-YenDr Nigel HuntDr Nigel Speight

E-Learning Adviser David TeeceBWKT Mark Colby

TYMES TRUST DETAILS

Postal Address: PO Box 4347, Stock, Ingatestone, CM4 9TE

Email: [email protected] Website: www.youngactiononline.comAdvice Line and enquiries: 01245 40 10 80Advice Line: Weekdays 11am-1pm & 5pm-7pmTymes Trust Data Protection Policy is availablePrinting by Prontaprint, 11 Runwell RoadRunwell Wickford Essex SS11 7PS

What’s Inside

2 Tymes Magazine Issue 46 Winter 2003

WHAT YOU THINK

My son is largely better, it was a 2 yearhaul. I think what you do is reallyvaluable and worthwhile. The younginevitably became isolated at a time intheir lives when they should be out andabout, growing up. Thank you for all yourefforts. You are doing such great stuff.

Jenny Budden

Making Friends with Stars

Freddie Kanoute, the famous TottenhamHotspur player, meets our chair of Trustees,Keith Harley.

Have you made friends with a star? Write andtell us. If you can, send a photograph as well.

Tymes Magazine Issue 46 Winter 2003 3

Dear Reader

As this edition of Tymes Magazine goes to print,Tymes Trust begins a new era under its fullname – The Young ME Sufferers Trust.

At the same time, our new websitewww.tymestrust.org goes online. Star of the siteis Tymes Magazine itself. As each new magazinegoes out to our subscribers, we will add theprevious one to the site.

Starting with Issue 44, featuring an interviewwith Terry Waite, your teachers, doctors, friendsand family worldwide can read previous issuesas they appear on the printed page, and accessarticles from earlier magazines as we add them.

But there’s far more. As soon as you feel wellenough, go visit!

We are also delighted to feature below, a letterfrom the Rt Hon. Charles Kennedy MP, Leaderof the Liberal Democrats – whom you’ll alsoknow from starring appearances on the TV newsquiz Have I Got News For You? How fitting forour Winter magazine with its theme of SeeingStars! From cover to cover you will find well-known personalities from within and outside theworld of ME. And as always, we send you ourlove and wish you well.

Jane ColbyExecutive Director

The Government has allocated £8.5 millionfor services to people with ME nationwide.This will go mainly to Primary Care Trusts,who must obtain backing for their bids fromtheir local ME Support Groups. It has come toour notice that many such proposals involvesetting up clinics that will deliver servicessuch as diagnostic facilities, alternativetherapies and cognitive behaviour therapy, tothose able to attend. We are concerned at thepotential emphasis on CBT and/or gradedexercise therapy, known in some cases to

exacerbate this illness or be ineffective.The Young ME Sufferers Trust wishes

to put on record that we would like to seefinance available for specialist home facilities.This would encompass domiciliary visits fromspecialist nurses who would deliver care inthe home in order to support and relieve thecarer, on a periodic basis to be agreedaccording to need and resources. Diagnosticfacilities should also be available in the homewhere necessary and respite care should beavailable to those in need.

In the spotlight: THE TYMES TRUST VIEW

The Young ME Sufferers Trust

Our thanks to everyone who supports the Trust by buying their CDs, DVD, books etc by clickingthrough to Amazon from www.youngactiononline.com We are an associate site and recently received a further cheque from them. It costs no extra to usethis facility and there are no extra forms to complete, so please consider this method next time youbuy online.

funds received from amazon

I am delighted to be able to send my wishes to all at the Tymes Trust forthe work that you do in helping children with ME and their families.

Without the charitable endeavours of your organisation many youngpeople who suffer from this condition would not get the help andsupport that they need. May I take this opportunity to thank all thoseat the Trust for the caring work that you do and wish you well in youfuture endeavours.

A message from the

rt hon. Charles kennedy mp

stop press DOCTOR magazine, read by all GPs, hasfeatured Tymes Trust’s latest publication, TheGPs Good Practice Guide to Education forChildren with ME.

The Guide was produced to help GPs protectchildren’s health from over-demand andmaximise their achievement throughmodification of their learning arrangements. Price £4.50 plus 50p post and packing fromTymes Trust.

N ew s Ho u n

In September, a feature letter by Jane Colbyalerted readers to the new GPs Good PracticeGuide to Education for Children with ME. Janewrote: ‘My GP colleague Dr Nigel Hunt firstapproached me when a young patient of his owndeveloped severe ME. He soon becameconvinced that other GPs needed to know whathe had learned about education. […] Out of ourcollaboration came the new Guide, launched thisautumn. We sincerely hope that it will move usa step further to increasing support for childrenwith ME.’

children with ME Young Minds Magazine 66, 2003

The Birmingham University School ofEducation approached our Executive Directorto write for their journal for SENCOs. Everyschool has a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator. Covering a typical pattern for theillness and also a typical school attendancepattern, the feature explains how to breakout of the cycle of attendance punctuated byrelapses. It guides SENCOs on liaison withother staff. Tips include: ‘Monitor whetherthe pace of work is sustainable. If symptomsare abating, the body is healing. Increaseddemands from school can set back thisprogress.’

SENCO Update also ran a separatefeature on the Tymes Trustcard, a pass cardfor use in schools endorsed by EducationMinister Baroness Ashton and the SecondaryHeads Association. The editor states: ‘In thismonth’s feature article, Jane Colby refers tothe Tymes Trustcard. Here is some furtherinformation about this simple but potentiallyinvaluable resource.’

If you are able to attend school, send foran application form for your TymesTrustcard. Further Information is atwww.youngactiononline.com

As part of a wide-ranging report on sleep,the following information backs up theclinical experience of Tymes Trust MedicalAdviser Dr Darrel Ho-Yen of RaigmoreHospital, Inverness.

‘There is evidence to suggest that “normal”sleep does not consist of one block of seven oreight hours during the night. It is more likelythat our biology is designed to allow us to sleepfor about six hours during the night and anhour-and-a-half during the day – as in cultureswhere siestas are the norm.

‘The modern demand for day-long alertness notonly prevents daytime napping but also has animpact on night-time sleep. If someone prefersto have a daytime nap and sleep less during thenight (assuming this fits in with their lifestyle),that’s fine. It is the amount of sleep over 24hours that is important, rather than theamount that takes place during the night.’

No longer should proponents of fashionable butrigid ‘sleep hygiene’ regimes with theirimplication that daytime napping is somehow‘unclean’ tyrannise the lives of people with ME,who may need daytime sleep to supplementtheir often disturbed nightly rest.

do naps really work?Daily Mail, 21 October


supporting pupils with CFS/MESENCO update, October 2003

in memoriamdr Alan Franklin

viral particles cause muscle malfunctionJournal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, 1 October 2003

Dr RJM Lane and researchers at ImperialCollege, London have shown that some patientswith chronic fatigue syndrome show evidence ofvirus in their muscles, linked to abnormal musclefunction. The researchers found RNA fromenteroviruses (the same family as polio) inmuscle biopsy samples in 10 of the 48 chronicfatigue patients but ‘all 29 human tissue controls[...] were negative for enterovirus sequences.’ TheRNA most closely resembled that from theCoxsackie B virus.

An exercise test was carried out on thesame day as the biopsy. The patients’ blood levels

of lactic acid were measured before andafterwards; 28 patients had an abnormal lactateresponse to exercise, ‘reflecting impaired muscleenergy metabolism.’ In addition, 9 of the 10subjects who tested positive for virus in theirmuscles had this abnormal response.

Tymes Trust has always argued that there aresub-groups of the so-called ‘chronic fatiguesyndrome’ and those with ME-proper are theones affected by these viruses. They have apolio-like illness and need to be cautiousabout exercise.

d s

On 19 November, Tymes Trust was asked toconvey to the ME community the sad news of thedeath of Dr Alan Franklin, surely one of thekindest, most compassionate paediatricians ithas been our privilege to work with.

I first met Dr Franklin during the days ofthe National ME Task Force, on which weworked together. He later became one of TymesTrust’s medical advisers and gave many lecturesat our teacher training days.

During the late 1990s I accompanied himto the Isle of Lewis for a week-long programme oftalks and visits to the local ME community. Onthe flight to Scotland he talked of his personalbeliefs in Christianity, in justice and fairness forthe children he cared for, and reminisced aboutwhy he first became a paediatrician.For three years we worked together on the Chief

Medical Officer’s Working Group on CFS/ME,pressing for suitable medical and educationalprovision for children and young people.

There was also a very humorous, jovialside to Alan. During the many events that weattended or organised together, there were oftenincidents that revealed his sense of humour or hisstoicism. One of these was at the ChurchillIntercontinental Hotel in Portman Square, whereAlan’s lecture was unexpectedly interrupted by apneumatic drill. It took three interventions by theChair of Trustees to silence the drill, but nothingsilenced Alan, who was determined to carry on,and was quite unperturbed.

Despite the later years of his life beingaffected by illness, he displayed the same courageand dedication, continuing to support the Trust’swork for as long as possible, and recentlysurprising us by attending and taking part in ourlocal GPs training evening.

Alan is irreplaceable because he wasunique. But the work goes on, as he wouldhave wished.

Jane Colby

Dr Alan Franklin and Jane Colby in 1996



What makesyou smile ?

My family

Birthdays

Seeing otherpeople happyand having fun

Dreamsand goals

The warmth ofmy friends

Seeing stars in the sky – Ican only open my blackoutblind is when it’s dark

Walking to the endof my road and back inthe dark. (I’m Dracula!)

Warm sunny weather

Thoughtscontributed from: HelenBrierley, Sazza Holmes, DavidHales, Jade Scarrott, SarahWilcox, Jade Smith, Emma Gray.

Seeing my mumwhen I wake up

Writing,singing, acting,

dancing whenI can


Comedy programmes

Keanu Reeves!

Knowing it’s not long till I cangive my Christmas presents

Funny jokes

A goodmovie

My physio whotells jokes that arenot very good!

My guinea piggreeting me

Receiving mail

The day when the sun enters myroom again

Comedy programmes

Laughingwithfriends

Opening letters from mypenfriends and writingback when I can

Feeling well

Learningsomething new

Watching my kittenand dog rollingaround on the floor

Roller blading - for a few minutes!

Christmas time

Music

NAME: David Teece

POSITION: Head of Service Education for Children Out of School, WarwickshireCounty Council; Director Nisai-Iris Partnership

POSITION AT TYMES TRUST: E-learning Adviser for our Professionals ReferralService

LIVES: Leicestershire

AGE: Very significant birthday next year-that’s all I am prepared to say!

FAVOURITE COLOUR: Blue

BACKGROUND: Grew up in Cheshire, youngest of four brothers. Trained as ateacher at Warwick University and worked in Coventry and Warwickshire Schoolsuntil 1994. Since then employed by Warwickshire Support Services. FoundedNisai-Iris Partnership, a consortium of UK LEAs interested in developing e-learning approaches in 2003.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: Not much time at the moment, but if I had it would probably involveArt (painting with pastels) or Music (listening to). My real love is walking in dramatic mountainousareas, which I try to do whenever I have time (living in the midlands makes this rather difficult!)

PERSONAL MESSAGE: The time is right for new methods of education to hit the fore. Our work indeveloping flexible e-learning approaches is beginning to gain wider recognition. We have justregistered the 100th Warwickshire pupil onto the IRIS on-line system and we are seriouslyexamining how we can make this service available to young people everywhere. Now we need somesupport from the government to make this a national scheme.

Interested Parents should contact the Tymes Trust Advice Line: 01245 401 080


Sheffield ME Group held their Annual Conferenceon Saturday 18 October at the Platinum Suite,Sheffield United Football Ground.

Chair Ute Elliott, who accompanied Jane Colbyto Bonn for the Tymes Trust lecture there, gavethe opening address. Tymes Trust MedicalAdviser Dr Charles Shepherd presented thelecture on ME/CFS: What's New in Research,Diagnosis and Management?

Speedway Ace Gary Frankum, whose careerwas cut short by ME, talked of his experiencesand sent a message to all Tymes Trustmembers (pg 12-13).

In the audience was Jacob Essex, one of three

young people with ME to receive a TymesTrust computer sponsored by RonaldMcDonald Childrens Charities and presentedby Lord Clement-Jones CBE at the House ofLords last year.

Tymes Trust Team

NEWS FROM TYMES TRUST PARTNER GROUPS

Don’t forget the humble prune!

In a lecture on ‘The Intelligent Fruit’, chemicalengineer and professor of physical science DrJean Marie Bourre explains that prunes notonly provide glucides for energy, they assist thefunctioning of the gall bladder and intestinesand also contain minerals includingmagnesium and boron, which helps maintainhealthy bones. Vitamins in prunes include both A and E; thesehelp memory and protect against cerebralaging. Benedictine monks discovered prunes bymistake; they left some plums in the sun. Formonths afterwards, these dried plums wereedible. The word ‘prunus’ is simply the Latin for‘plum tree’.

Delicious in ready-to-eat packs, they can beeaten hot or cold. Great on their own as anenergy-giving snack, or with muesli, ice cream,

fruit salad, yogurt or milk pudding.Refridgerate after opening.

Prunes are particularly helpful to avoidconstipation due to a lack of physical activity.

Have frequent drinks to add to this effect.

Ins ight : Top T ipsTop Diet Tip

Top Energy Tip

Do you have someTop Tips to share? Send them to:Insight, PO Box 4347,Stock, Ingatestone, CM4 9TE.

Tendring ME Support Group hasfeatured The Forgotten Children, which waspresented to Downing Street on 12 May2003, in their regular newsletter.

‘Tymes Trust, whose Partner Group we are,has published a dossier of shame called TheForgotten Children. This gives examples ofhow children and their families are beingtreated by professionals, because of theirillness. It is going to be a most usefuldocument for those of you who have childrenwith ME and who are having difficulties withdoctors, teachers, social workers, localauthorities and home tuition providers. Also itis a useful document to send to your MP. It isavailable in a well-presented form for £5.50plus 50p postage. Don’t forget Tymes Trusthave a team of professional advisers readyto answer your questions. I think Tymes

Trust nicely complements our Group,because they are working really hard to helpyoung people come to terms with and livewith this illness now.’

Note: Alongside the shameful statistics weuncovered on the treatment of children withME, The Forgotten Children also highlightsthe excellent work of good doctors and teachersand makes positive recommendations fromour Focus Group. It also contains a message ofsupport from the Prime Minister.

Tymes Trust Patron LordClement-Jones CBE recommendsthat a bound copy be givenpersonally to members’ MPs attheir local surgery, or otherwisesent by post via the House ofCommons.

The Forgotten Children


Quality rather than quantity.‘You have to know when to stop, to be able tokeep going.’

Melanie Carter, 19

Everyone – children, families, professionals and charities alike canachieve change for the better and we believe in aiming high for thecommon good. In this new series we’ll give you examples.


As part of her degree in Graphic Design, Tymes Magazine Designer Kerry-AnnEdge flew to New York and interviewed the Managing Director of YBServicesand the Interactive Designer from KajaCircle.

‘Though both interviews were only supposed to be an hour I landed up spendingthree hours at each company. The Interactive Designer was working on a film of arock star. He explained how they were putting it together, showed me how to usespecial effects not just on the titles or words but also on the rock star. ( I don’tthink the rock star would have liked the caricature version I created!)’

As a teenager, Kerry-Ann was one of the first young people with ME to bediagnosed in South Africa. Her work with the Trust led her to embark uponher degree. Kerry-Ann’s story was published in Tymes Magazine Issue 43(Spring 2003). No charity funds were used on this trip

Doncaster Royal Infirmary : ME UpdateOrganised by Doncaster ME Support Group and presented by Jane Colby

The Sky’s the Limit

Speaking to an audience of hospital doctors in the Postgraduate MedicalCentre, Jane explained why graded exercise therapy and cognitivebehaviour therapy can only have limited application in ME despite thepublicity surrounding them. She said: ‘ME is often referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a nameoriginally coined for research purposes rather than clinical use. The

Department of Health uses the term CFS/ME. In practice, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is aheterogeneous condition within which subgroups may respond differently to therapies.’In this update, Jane discussed differences between the polio-like ‘ME’ and ‘CFS’. She coveredtherapeutic implications and gave examples of new research demonstrating physical abnormalities inpeople with ME. She also reviewed the work and final report of the Chief Medical Officer’s WorkingGroup (Department of Health 2002) and some essential issues of case management including:

Severity of the illness including stages of progressionSupport mechanisms to prevent deteriorationSuitability of popular therapies such as Graded Exercise and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for different casesChildhood ME and related issues including education

Doctors were given a summary of Jane’s professionalcredentials as presenter, which you can find atwww.youngactiononline.com

‘Thank you for a mostinteresting presentation onME. I think this should be anannual event.’ Dr DineshChadha, Head ofPostgraduate Studies,Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK…

Phot

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Behind the Scenes


Would you like to tell other people what Tymes Trust does? If so, send for our pack ‘ABOUT TYMESTRUST’. It’s very helpful if you are raising funds for us, so people know what we are here for.

HOW TO RAISE FUNDS AND HAVE FUN - TYMES TRUST TEAS

Tymes Trust is famous for its Teas. Maybe you remember our Afternoon Tea at theHouse of Lords to present three computers to our members? Westlands Nurseryin Essex provides delicious Tymes Trust Teas during Summer, as well as an OpenGarden to rest in and walk through.

You could hold a Tymes Trust Tea too!Foody themes are best. You could have a Mince Pie Party, where everyonegets a mince pie and a drink and puts a donation for Tymes Trust in afestively decorated pot or box. At other times of year you can have a DanishPastry Party or an Iced Cake Party or a Bakewell Tart party…..if youremember, we’ve always had a weakness for Bakewell Tarts…

Contents of the pack include the Prime Minister’s endorsement, 3-fold leaflets, examples of theTrust’s work and a master party invitation. Send for yours now.

ABOUT TYMES TRUST packs are free of charge

ABOUT TYMES TRUST

Behind the scenes, our Chair of Trustees has been scouring the British Isles forbears. Not so many bears live in the UK these days, but every year he manages tofind some.

First he found some Benevolent Bears.Then he found some Bashful Bears.Then he found some Beanie Bears (like Fudge and Caramel).And THIS yearHe’s found some Beefeater Bears.

‘Mind you,’ he explains, ‘the children will have to come up with something important for the bearsto guard. After all, their real title is “Yeoman Warders”. They have had to be especially releasedfrom their duties at the Tower of London. They’re going to need something else to guard.’

So, if your room keeps mysteriously getting into a mess and you don’t know whichof your toys is doing it behind your back, or if you have another Very ImportantTask that a Beefeater Bear could perform, write and let us know.

Be sure to explain exactly what your Bear would be doing, and why. Letters fromparents, teachers, doctors or Other Important People are accepted too.

The Chair of Trustees says he will have the final word on the Bears’ new homes.

BEEFEATER BEARS!Ready and waiting…

Last year, Shirley offered us her veryfirst interview about her illness, sincewhen many national newspapers havefeatured her story. Here she gives amessage of hope for young readers.

Shirley: I think it’s important for me to saythat I was a success before I was ill, I had tochange jobs and I’ve been successful again.

Jane: So that’s very encouraging foryoung people with ME who might beanxious for their future.

Shirley: Yes. You see, I couldn’t rely on mydoctors – I had to trust myself, and that’swhat led to Superwoman and my secondcareer. I wrote notes on doing houseworkwith minimal effort. So, although I didn’tmention ME in Superwoman, that was howit came to be written and that started me ona new career as an author.

Jane: What message would you like tosend young people with ME at this timeof year?

Shirley: Christmas is danger time for us.Anticipation and excitement are exhausting.It is up to you – and nobody else – not tooverspend your energy over Christmas.

I know how hard it is – I’m seventy-one yearsold, but I still get impatient and reckless.(Maybe it won’t happen…just this once,please God…but it always does!) So myChristmas wish is that you all look afteryourselves with special care over the holidayperiod – and so have a happy Christmas.

Shirley Conran is the best-selling novelist whose first bookSuperwoman took the UK bystorm. As Woman’s Editor at theDaily Mail, she developed andlaunched Femail before beingstruck with ME as the result of asevere viral infection.

STARS WITH MEIn conversation with Jane Colby

With love to you allShirley Conran

AN INVITATION FROM SHIRLEY CONRANI’m writing this in bed. I look at the sky. I look at the frost. I treasure my electric blanket. Istroke my cat. I enjoy my breakfast egg. I read Tymes Magazine.

We all have so many things to be grateful for, and I enjoy the little things best. What littlethings do you enjoy most? Please let me know.

Write to Shirley at Tymes Trust, PO Box 4347, Stock, Ingatestone, CM4 9TE.



Jane: Gary, how are things going for youat present?Gary: I was shattered after my speech atSheffield's ME conference, which was fantasticwith so many people attending. My talk wentdown superbly, which is nice. I have beenasked by so many people to do talks but willlimit them as I don’t have the energy to travel.

Jane: As you know, Tymes Trust standsfor ‘The Young ME Sufferers Trust’ andwe’re now using our full title, because ithelps to explain what we’re about. Howdo you feel about children having ME?Gary: It upsets me when I think of kids withME. Life is not fair at times.

Jane: What’s your message for youngpeople with ME?Gary: My young little stars, I know how itfeels with ME and you are not alone even

though at times it feelsthat way. I send you allthe best wishes in the world – to feel a little bitbetter each day. I promise all of you I am using what little fameI had as a speedway star to bring greaterawareness of this awful illness and get thehelp and understanding we so rightly deserve.

Gary Frankum was a speedway ace until his careerwas cut short by ME. Gary has been in touch withJane for some years. Recently he started giving talksabout his experiences, most recently for the SheffieldME Group, a Tymes Trust Partner Group.

My love goes out to you allGary Frankum

Message from Eastenders StarThe amazing Barbara Windsor, star of Eastenders andalready famous from the Carry On films, has had anillness similar to ME in its effects, so she understandshow things are for you all.We have just received this beautiful photograph witha loving message. Barbara’s husband has asked us tosend copies of Tymes Magazine.

Barbara writes: ‘My love and thoughts are with you all at Christmas Time.’

Barbara was in a number of Carry On films eg CarryOn Camping. Her other film credits include ChittyChitty Bang Bang and A Study In Terror. On TV, she played Saucy Nancy in Worzel Gummidge,and made guest appearances in Dad's Army and OneFoot In The Grave. In 1994 Barbara started playingPeggy in Eastenders.


For GCSE English, Elizabeth Colleyexplained ME to her school. Here iswhat she said, edited for space.

You all know about MEI’m the one who is always off school, getsevery virus that’s going, misses mostparties – even my own – doesn’t go onschool trips or to the cinema. It wasn’talways like this. Until just before my tenthbirthday, I had friends round all the while,danced, did gym and one year didn’t have aday off school.

What other people think about METhere is a theory that ME is closely linkedto the viruses that cause polio. Manydoctors have their own ways of treating it.One of our GPs told me cognitive behaviourtherapy could be a way forward. I am notgoing to take this route. I’ve tried gradedexercise, where you gradually increasewhat you are doing – but too much of thisdidn’t help. Others try to tell you to snapout of it. A lot of the time you feel as thoughyou are the guinea pig for someone else’slatest bright idea. You might think thatbeing off school isn’t that bad, but whenyou’ve had over 90 days off in a year itbecomes really boring.

What I now know about MEMy consultant says there is no cure so Imust manage my illness. I have had to takeon ownership of my ME. During summer Imanaged to go on an activity holiday andhad some good times with friends andcousins. My goal this term is to go to theSomme and on the German Exchange.

How ME feelsMy ME started in year 5 with ‘flu’. I keptfalling asleep and my body clock wenthaywire. Even after lots of sleep I wastired. I still get exhausted, lots of nastyheadaches, stomach pains, dizziness,

aching limbs, and brain fog – a dense fog,like cotton wool, which sometimes fills upmy head. It completely takes over and itseems as though I’m listening to a foreignlanguage. It stops me from rememberinganything. I have learnt that whathappened last term was a relapse. Icouldn’t read, write or even stand up someof the time. Doing the most basic thingswas a real struggle. Sometimes my bodycloses off, I go pale, my eyes go odd and mybrain stops working. My body doesn’t haveenergy to function properly so it shutsdown everything that’s not vital. When itfeels a bit better things start up again.

On a good day I’m like everyone else – theonly drawback being that if I really go forit I’ll be ill – usually one or two days later.I have lots of moderate days when doingordinary things is hard. Then there are baddays when I can’t wake up, have greatdifficulty getting out of bed and often fallasleep while trying to get up. Sometimesmy legs collapse and I don’t have energy totalk, or function as a normal person. Thisall sounds grim, but I’m fortunate; manyyoung people with ME are much morepoorly than me and some are even tube fed.Did you know 51% of all children off schoollong term have ME?

I’ve found some really good informationfrom ME charities. I’ve discovered thatpeople with ME and those who reallyunderstand it have a totally differentoutlook on the illness to most otherhealthcare specialists. From now on I’mlistening to them! Charles Darwin, like me,had ME, as did Florence Nightingale – soI’m in good company.

Elizabeth gained a perfect 40 marks. Hermother says she was ‘thrilled by this and bythe very positive response she received fromher classmates’.

POSITIVE RESPONSE

Christmas is near,Eyes filled with TearsCan’t tell people my fearsWishing it be over,Perhaps I can copeBetter next Year.

The thoughts of opening the GiftsWhich take Energy just to lift.Time drags watching films.Mealtime affects you more,Family keep asking if you want more.

Christmas Tree lights shine Bright.Decorations sparkle in the light.I remember Houses decorated with lights.Going to friends Boxing Night.I try to remember things in the pastPatches of memory that don’t last.

Jade Smith


Christmas tree all sparkly and brightWindows warm with candle-lightDecorating every spaceWith holly, mistletoe, ribbons and lacePresents lying round the treeWhat’s in them we’ll have to wait and seeIn every house that festive feelingOf giving, sharing and receivingCrackers, glasses, forks and knivesWaiting while the food arrivesTurkey, stuffing, mmm so goodMince pies, cream and Christmas pudDelicious smells everywhereChristmas dinner made with careStockings hanging on the doorFull of prezzies and much moreWith presents, laughter, food and wineOh Christmas is the BESTEST time

Rachael Marshall

Over the hilltops came Christmasshining in baubles of songpricking the bubbles ofsadnessall night long.

Synthesised by an ad-manfurry and cuddlyand cuteover the hilltops came Christmaslike King Canute.*

Jane Colby

Jane explains: ‘If you’rewondering what King Canutehas to do with it, he stubbornlytried to hold the tides back butcouldn’t. Christmas can alsoseem stubborn, insisting on usbeing happy all the time. Don’tfeel guilty if a tide of sadnesssometimes mixes with theChristmastide of joy. Send us aChristmas email!’*First published in ME – TheNew Plague.

CHRISTMASTIDE

Illu

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what friends think The fact that ME is an ‘invisible' disability can cause distress and confusion. Ruth told me that herschool friends used to come and visit her, but after a while they became impatient that thereseemed to be no end to her malaise, and the social visits tapered off. She discovered that they had turned their attention to another friend who was confined to bed witha broken leg! There was fun in drawing on the plastered leg, the busyness of the hospital ward, anddiscussing the excitement of how the accident happened. They enjoyed planning expeditions whentheir friend would be fully mobile again.Comment: ‘I didn't know how to explain to my school friends what was wrong with me. “Tired? Weare all tired!” they laughed.’16 Tymes Magazine Issue 46 Winter 2003

Exploring: ME and the Family

There is nothing like a celebration to bring tothe surface recognition of how ME affects thewhole family. It widens the divide betweenthose who recognise that anyone sufferingwith ME has an exceptionally hard time, andthose who believe that anyone can ‘rise to theoccasion' and that ‘a bit more excitement willcheer you up'.We all like to hold onto the idea thatoccasions like weddings, birthdays, holidaysand especially Christmas have a touch ofmagic about them. So, all too often, we go intoa family celebration hoping against hope thatall will be well. This prompts both carers andsufferers on these special days to be lessvigilant than normal.I spoke with Jenny, mother of 10-year-oldRebecca. She told me that her greatestanxiety centred around her parents, who arevisiting over the holidays. They just do notbelieve, or let themselves accept, that theirbeloved granddaughter has ME.

Jenny says her parents are convincedthat it is all a fuss about nothing, and that amore robust approach is all that is necessary.Rebecca tries to live up to her grandparents'expectations and take part in all the jollity, andit is Jenny and Rebecca who have to pick up thepieces in the following weeks. This is what happens at holiday times when,from a desire to leave behind all day-to-day

burdens and – for once – to let go, a carefullyworked out programme is put on ice.

One child with ME whom I know is veryaware of the weight it places on her parentsand siblings. Ruth told me that whatdistresses her most is when her family thinkup a treat for her, since she feels as if it is ademand which must be met. This increasesher anxiety in advance that she won't be ableto enjoy the festivities. Anxiety and stress canmake an already sensitive situation worse.

Her deepest fears were mobilized when heryounger sister said ‘Please try not to mess upChristmas this year’.

Ruth keeps her tears to herself, but othersneed to remember that what may seem to bea treat, may be just the opposite. Honestymust be the name of the game here. All thefamily must have confidence to talk to oneanother and say: ‘I don't feel up to this', or,‘Be sure to tell me when you have hadenough' without feeling they are hurting theones they love.

Parents may have to be vigilant about whichinvitations are accepted, and be prepared tosupport anyone struggling with ME to dowhat they feel is best. Saying ‘no' may bedone with a heavy heart and be the last thinga parent feels like saying, but keep in mindthat any festival is yet one day out of 365.

Jill Curtis is a psychotherapist and author of Does Your Child Have a Hidden Disability?Writing her chapter on ME brought her into contact with many families. Here shelooks at managing family festivities with sensitivity.


carers and their roleIt is not only mum and dad who support a child with ME. In the families I have had contact withit is often the extended family who are involved and affected. The last thing a family needs isdisagreement amongst themselves about the way forward. And yet this can happen in even themost loving families.

Sometimes when one thing doesn't seem to be working, another way may be tried. There maybe some initial improvement, but when there is a relapse the disappointment can be all the moredevastating. Caring friends and relatives may discover all kinds of recommended treatment and befull of enthusiasm about a ‘new' diet or exercise plan. Nothing makes some carers' hearts sink morethan: ‘Why don't you try...' or ‘Have you thought of...?’. As one mother told me: ‘It makes me feel Ihave been neglectful and not been trying hard enough to help my son.'

Ellen told me that she was asked to be a bridesmaid. She thought longingly about theexcitement of that, but was crushed when the bride-to-be said it was on one condition, that on thewedding day she behaved and performed the duties of a bridesmaid without a fuss. How could sheguarantee that on the day she would feel rested and well? This is where a carer needs to step inquickly and protect a child from this kind of ultimatum.

cautionary words from children‘I dread the idea of Christmas. I can sense the excitement growing and even the very enthusiasmin the air make me feel worse.' These words come from a 12-year-old who could recall feeling verylow at the same time each year.

With the wisdom of a child, she sensed it arose from sadness about having ME, andremembering long years before she was diagnosed. ‘That was the worst time. People got very fed-up with me. When I had a good day all I would hear was, “See, you can do it”. What I heard was animplied “when you try”. So when I felt really poorly I believed I had let everybody down.'

Other children report being upset by comments such as: ‘Look what you are doing to yourfamily', ‘I think you are just spoilt' and on one Christmas morning being told, ‘You are just sulkingbecause you didn't get a Walkman.' No wonder that children with ME are full of anticipation aboutwhat a celebration in the family might entail!

how to deal with ME and the family at this special holiday time

Plan in advance, but be prepared to make changes if necessary. James told me that he wasmore than willing to let his son go to a party if he felt up to it, provided that next day wouldmean rest and there would be no recriminations from others. ‘He is only young once so let himenjoy himself when he can.'

James has met parents who are worried about letting their child party at all, because ofthe downside of overexertion. ‘If your child is a bit low in spirits over the festivities, recognisethis for what it is – the pain of having to take notice of their symptoms.’

There’s no magic in having ME, and no magic Christmas cure, but withloving understanding on all sides there is no reason why a family cannotgenuinely enjoy being together as much as it is possible.

All names have been changed to protect confidentiality.Find Jill at www.familyonwards.com

Does Your Child Have a Hidden Disability was reviewed in Tymes MagazineIssue 42

DOCTORS WITH ME


Dr Anne MacintyreDr Anne Macintyre, former member ofthe National ME Task Force and theChief Medical Officer’s Working Groupon CFS/ME has had ME for many years.Here she discusses her Christmas…

I try not to think about it until mid December.This saves energy and anxiety! I look at lastyear’s cards and realise with shock how manypeople I meant to contact after last Christmasto say ‘sorry I forgot/thanks for your news/thisis now my address’ etc…

I fish out unused cards from last yearand find most of them have no envelopes thatfit. I buy great sheets of stamps that then getcrumpled or self stuck in my handbag. I startwith cards to people I never see, especiallydistant friends and relatives (to whom a cardmeans a lot) but then remember to buy thespecial overseas airmail letters, which got sentas always too late last year.

I carefully write a list of those I havesent, to refer to next year, but often forget toput which year this is. I am told that it’s a goodthing to keep all these lists on computer, also

all the addresses on a system which printsthem on sticky peel-off labels; I have notdiscovered how to do this. Wouldn’t that be auseful way to occupy the long hours after NewYear?

As I cannot walk round shops, I do mypresent shopping either before, by mail order(there are some lovely things to buy fromvarious charity catalogues) or at the lastminute in local charity shops. Some years whenI have been too ill, I haven’t sent cards orpresents, but phoned special people instead.

If I have any advice, it’s this:Christmas is about sharing yourself and yourlove with people who matter to you.

It’s not about cooking a perfect meal, orgiving perfect presents, or being the perfectguest/son/daughter/parent. The greatest giftyou can give anyone is yourself, your love andyour understanding, these can be givenunconditionally even if you are unable tophysically join in all the activities!

Read Anne’s complete ‘Story of MyChristmas’ at www.tymestrust.org

What does your consultant believe?Doctors without ME have to understand it‘from outside’. There are essentially twodifferent schools of thought. You could think ofthem as Type One/Type Two, but doctors arepeople and will have their own approach.

Type One Patients with ME have a physical illness andneed to take life easily and live within theenergy limits imposed by their condition. Theyneed to avoid stressful situations or working toohard. This will slowly enable the body to heal.Children may need supporting letters forwheelchairs, transport, blue badges, hometuition/distance learning and benefits.

Type Two Even if ME was triggered by a virus or otherphysical cause, patients don’t need to go onliving restricted lives for such a long time.

Children should go back to school as soon aspossible. Patients may need CognitiveBehaviour Therapy to counter unhelpful ‘illnessbeliefs’, and graded exercise/activity to help getback to normal.

The doctor considers the main problems as: fearof doing more; being unfit due to inactivity.

Some doctors who believe that ME is physicalin origin may still prescribe these types oftreatment in the hope that they will helpanyway. It is up to you to tell the doctor howtreatment affects you. There is no proven ‘cure’for ME; it is one of those illnesses that dependon your body to heal itself. Therefore, keepusing your own judgement.

Read the complete ‘What does your doctorbelieve?’ at www.youngactiononline.com


The author of Living with ME and member ofthe CMO’s Working Group on CFS/ME writeshere as ‘a doc with ME’. His countdown towhat he looks forward to at Christmas showshe is much recovered – as you can see!

The days before...Stopping work! My sons coming back from university with all theirnews and an even bigger overdraft My daughter's primary school Christmas concert -especially when things go wrong with theyoungest onesGoing round the village delivering Christmas cardsVisiting Santa in his Christmas Grotto at WesonbirtArboretum, following the floodlight Christmas Trailin the woods, and then picking up the tree (wellworth doing if you live in this part of the world)

Christmas EveShopping in Stroud for some last minute presentsGoing with the whole family to the Blessing of theCrib service Wrapping up presents - something which I stillalways leave to the very last moment Midnight Mass - with anyone who's still verticalPhoning relatives in Australia on our returnPutting out sherry and mince pies for Santa - andcarrots for the reindeer - on the fireplace. Andhoping that the logs will have finally gone out by thetime they arrive!

Christmas DayStarting off by taking the dogs for a walk in thewoods - hopefully on a bright but frosty morning Coming home and preparing the main part of themeal - that's my job! Opening presents by the fire in the afternoonChristmas Dinner followed by total relaxation

Boxing DayGoing to the Boxing Day dive - I don't but my sondoes. They hyperinflate their wet suits likeMichelin men [don’t try this at home…] and have arace down the river near Cirencester! Followed by lunch at the pub

And I hope that all members of Tymes Trust have areally good Christmas and a Good New Year.

[You too, Charles. But we’re exhausted just readingthis! Ed]

Dr Charles ShepherdGuidance for doctors from theGeneral Medical Council

Patients must be able to trustdoctors with their lives and well-being. To justify that trust, we as aprofession have a duty to maintain agood standard of practice and careand to show respect for human life.

In particular, as a doctor, you must: a.. Make the care of your patient yourfirst concern. b.. Treat every patient politely andconsiderately. c.. Respect patients' dignity andprivacy. d.. Listen to patients and respecttheir views.e.. Give patients information in a waythey can understand. f.. Respect the rights of patients to befully informed in decisions abouttheir care. g.. Keep your professional knowledgeand skills up to date. h.. Recognise the limits of yourprofessional competence. i.. Be honest and trustworthy. j.. Respect and protect confidentialinformation. k.. Make sure that your personalbeliefs do not prejudice your patients'care. l.. Act quickly to protect patients fromrisk if you have good reason to believethat you or a colleague may not be fitto practise. m.. Avoid abusing your position as adoctor. n.. Work with colleagues in ways thatbest serve patients' interests.

In all these matters you must neverdiscriminate unfairly against yourpatients or colleagues. And you mustalways be prepared to justify youractions to them.

THE DUTIES OF A DOCTOR


by Sebastian the websitespider (find him atwww.youngactiononline.com)

Sebs Star LetterHi Sazza,Thank you for letting me have your competitionprize. It was very kind of you. It cheered up myday after feeling so low lately.

I am 13 years old and like listening to music: Dido,Sugarbabes, Miztiq and Robbie Williams.

I have had ME for 4 and a half years, been in bed a yearand on a NG tube since March. I take every day as it comes.

Hope this card finds you AWAP.Luv and soft hugs, Jade.

Daniel Hales sent agreat drawing ofmy ‘spot thedifferences’ ClownComp from theAutumn magazine,showing theanswers.

Did you get themright?

SSeebbaassttiiaann ssaayyss::

Send letters, drawings, photosand competition entries to: Seb’s Manor, Tymes Trust,PO Box 4347, Stock, Ingatestone, CM4 9TE

Laura Howlett who’s 11 and hashad ME for 6 years sent this poem:

Why me to have ME?Why not him or herIt’s not fair to meWhy should I have ME?Some can jump aboutAnd run and shoutBut not me because I’ve got ME.

That’s sad. So I’m sending a seriousmessage this time. Look afteryourself well – lots of hugs fromfriends and family. I’d send you ahug, but some people arearachnophobes – are you? (If anyone knows what that means,I’ll find you a prize!)

Rule No 1: Find something to enjoy(however small) today, tomorrow,and all the tomorrows after that. Iread in the Summer Tymes Magthat happy experiences help youheal. Take it day by day.

Laura’s mum helps her lookforward to better times. But to livein the moment is good too.Famous quote: ‘Only live intomorrow when it becomestoday.’ (Well, it will be famous,because I said it. Oh, I’m a veryintelligent, philosophical, cool –but modest – spider.)

We’d rather no-one got ME. NotLaura , but not him or her either!

SEB’S AUTUMN COMPMargaret has drawn me a crossword for you.Send the answers to her at Tymes Trust (or aphotocopy of the completed crossword).Lots of prizes waiting. No deadline.

Major Clue:Many of the words refer to the FestiveSeason

BEARS, BEARS EVERYWHERE….

Emma Gray sent us a photo of Milo, her TymesTrust Winter Bear, with Caramel (Fudge’s cousin). ‘Milo has settled in very well with his mates.They lie on my bed with me all day. Thank youso much for sending him, it means so much.Love Emma XXX. ’


Across1, It guided the Wise Men (4)5, You may ___ on the above answer (4)8, Do not __ yourselves (4)9, The beginning of a greeting from Father

Christmas (2)10, Grown-ups drink these on occasions (4)11, An___ always watches over you (5)12, To __ or not to __ (2)13, You may need these for your gifts (4)16, A fairy like creature (3)18, It sparkles on cold mornings (5)20, At Christmas we hear children ___ carols (7)

Down1, The first home for baby Jesus (6)2, Used for floor and wall covering (4)3, Who __ we? (3)4, Make sure to ___ the video (5)5, Very much in season (6)6, Female (3)7, The aura of the Nativity (4)14, __ snow were only ice cream! (2)15, A child’s party piece (4)17, You are bound to have ___ at Christmas (3)19, The end of mistle__ (3)

I PAY A VISIT TO FUDGE!Cheryll Neyt sent an emailto Head Office from herTymes Trust Beanie Bear,Fudge. (Fudge is nowalmost as famous as me.)

‘Fudge says a big “hello”to Matthew Eccleston[look at this Matthew, wespelt your name right this time - Ed] who seemsto be her biggest fan, and also to her long lostcousin Caramel who she hasn't seen for a while.Fudge was a little concerned about Seb andhopes they can be friends.’

Well, I’ve gone to stay with Fudge. So we can.Watch this space.

SEB’S SECRET

Remember that Christmas confettiyou’ve been sending us in yourcards? All those shining trees,stars, angels – red, green, purple,

blue, gold, silver?

I’ve been sticking them on my web. I’m a Soppy old Seb at Christmas! Seb and web for Seb’s Secret drawn by Jane Fawcett

Thank you so much for your inspirationalmagazine. I especially appreciated Dr Ho-Yen’s article and reference to a bag ofapples. I have had ME for 8 years and haverecently begun to be able to view my lifemore positively, very restricted as I am. Ienjoy reading and find audio books relaxing.My favourite quote comes from DietrichBonhoeffer who said: ‘It is only withgratitude that life becomes rich’. With gratitude, Judy Toy

QUOTES-WE-LIKEOur readers usually choose the quotes for‘Quotes-u-like’. This time we’ve joined in!Here are our favourites.

‘I will honour Christmas in my heart,and try to keep it all the year. I will livein the Past, the Present, and theFuture. The Spirits of all Three shallstrive within me.’ Scrooge, in A Christmas Carol byCharles Dickens.

MY SPECIAL ROOMMy special room is a place called APTCOO (APlace To Call Our Own). It is a relaxationroom for anyone with something life-changing, age 0-19. I go with my friend Emmawho also has ME and we have lots of fun!

In the room there is: a heated water bed,fibre optic light, glow-in-the-dark stars andmoons, bubble tubes, light pen, calmingmusic, a disco ball, twinkly lights and arelaxing scene.Kirsty Watts (15)

Support Worker Linda Tasker says:‘APTCOO is a carer-led organisation, set upover 10 years ago by a small group of carersof children with additional needs. Now wehave mobile, sensory and outreach support.To offer somewhere to “hang out” in a quietenvironment for “teenage time” is great.’

GET OUR YOUR MAPS OF ESSEX!How many Essex place names can you spot?Some of the spellings have been slightlyaltered…and there’s a major road in itsomewhere…I don't know if you like jazz.... I write to bring youdetails of a fabulous new band - Essexperience -nice.....

The line up is as follows:Saffron Walden on VocalsJay Wick on PianoThe Wood Brothers (Brent & Harold) on Alto &Tenor SaxCol Chester on DrumsBuck Hurst-Hill on Double BassWoodford Green on Trumpet.

Plus special guest trumpeter - the legendaryStanford Lee Hope - who will be showcasing hislead trumpet virtuosity with the looselyimprovisational Lee on C. Stanford Lee, freshfrom a recent tour of Nu Orleens, will be wearinghis trademark yellow suit and Matching Tye. Alsodon't miss Col Chester's drum solo on thestupendously great Dun Mo 'Drummin. Nice........

Of course all the old favourites will beperformed on the forthcoming tour,including:Billericay BluesTiptree JamMaldon Mudflat MoodsHazy Days in Walton on the NazeWanstead FlatsGoin' Nowhere - Jam on A12-Bar Blues.

Tickets available from Sybil Hedingham.The bandappears courtesy of Ben Fleet Promotions Ltd.Send the answers to author M.E. [Matthew Eccleston -who else?] Tymes Trust, PO Box 4347, Stock,Ingatestone, CM4 9TE


‘Even the smallest person can change the course ofthe future.’ Gandalf in Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings.

APTCOO is in Mansfield, Nottingham. Tel: 01623 629902


CALLING ALL FRIENDS!When I was four or five years old, mydad had a laptop. He let me go on it todo my homework, browse the net, andmany other things. That gave me areally good start in the computer world. I strayed off to start doing electronicsand such. At about eight to ten yearsold I was making very basic robots. Iended up accidentally making a minicircular saw. It was comprised of asmall three volt motor, a watch face,and some LED lights. It worked as adynamo as well. Enough of that.At eleven and when I got ME (I know Ihaven't said much but I want to keep itquick and I've forgotten most) I learnedweb design. I started to build a site,which is www.tech-devil.co.uk

Now it's up with forums, a constantly growinglinks page, reviews and some news. And foranyone who reads this article, please, please,please register on the forums of my site. Itneeds more people to get active.

Ben's mum says: In September 2001, Ben gotshingles and then encephalitis. He wassubsequently diagnosed with ME. He hasnot managed any formal schooling for someconsiderable time. He has nausea 24/7,brain fog, bone crushing fatigue and othersymptoms so familiar to carers of childrenwith ME.One of the hardest things that this diseaseimposes is isolation, the loss of a social lifeand friends. Ben has very bravely tried toovercome this by designing his own websitethat lets him stay in touch with his friendsand make new ones. He gets on to hiscomputer and then he rests as he must. Heno longer feels quite so alone and this hashelped him.

I met Martin Clunes, star of Men BehavingBadly when he came to film The Acid BathMurders. I saw the actors coming and going intheir period costumes. Yorkshire televisionsometimes use our street for filming and I watchout of my window. I had my picture taken withMartin and he gave me his autograph. I feltreally small at the side of him because he was sotall. He was very funny and really nice.

Before registering with any internet chatrooms or anything similar, children shouldalways check with their parents.

Phoebe Jameson writes:This photo was taken of me just before Irelapsed two and a half years ago. I havehad ME since I was 11 and I’ve just had my18th birthday. I haven’t been able to walksince I was 12 and I‘m in a lot of pain. I don’t have the energy to see my friends butI collect signed photographs and hope to geta record-breaking amount of them! It’s greatto see so many faces. I’m still collecting so ifanyone would like to send me one, I’ll lookforward to seeing them.Phoebe’s mother says:I wrote this for Phoebe as she cannot write orread. We are so grateful for all the supportyou give to families like us. Phoebe is severelyaffected by ME and the past two and a halfyears have been the worst. Many thanks.Amanda Beard.


Dear Tymes Trust

I wanted to say how much I enjoyed doingthe Treasure Hunt. I chose to do mineusing pictures of famous people because Icould do it in bed without getting any helpfrom anyone else. It was really fun.

I also wanted to say how good Dr DarrelHo-Yen’s article about apples was. Itmade me think back to what I had donewith my ‘bag of apples’ over the last tenyears. I have made so many good friendswith ME. They are there for me morethan any friends I had before I was ill.

Despite the time and energy it takes tomake ‘apple pie’, it’s worth it. During thecourse of your illness you may have time tomake more than one! But when you havefinished there is nothing more deliciousthan savouring what you have made andsharing it with friends and family.

When you look back on your time withME, don’t see wasted years, but all theapple pies you have made.

Claire Wade

Dr Darrel wrote: ‘My solution is simple: MEis neither good luck nor bad luck; ME issimply a pile of apples. It is what you make ofthe apples that matters. It is best to avoidlooking at them as they slowly rot! It wouldbe better to make a wonderful apple pie, butplease remember to send me a piece.’

For the full article please seeTymes Magazine, Issue 44

seeing Stars

Tymes Trust I Spy

Above, we have featured some of the stars’ pictures that Claire Wade found for the‘Tymes Trust I Spy’ fundraising game. Trustee Sally Player invented this Annual Treasure Huntto keep you busy over the Summer and some of you have been lucky winners of the secrettreasure! Thank you for your entries and donations. Can you think of a game for next summer? Write to Sally at Tymes Trust with your ideas.

TYMES · Toria Bicknell Young Advisers Victoria Western James Player Medical Advisers Dr Aloke...

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