An inspirational Donegal woman has released her third book on the debilitating impact of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.).
Valerie Moody from St Johnston is bedridden with severe M.E. (commonly known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), but she dedicates herself to raising awareness of the disease and campaigning for local supports in Ireland.
Valerie was joined by friends, family and special guests at her home on Saturday 6th July for her third and final fundraiser.
John Andrew Moody, John Moody, Valerie Moody, Dinny McGinley, Ian McCracken and David Moody at the launch of Many Days a 3rd book by Valerie Moody telling of her experience of M.E. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Photo Clive Wasson
Using a typewriter in bed, Valerie wrote her third book ‘Many Days’ highlighting the problems of M.E. sufferers. Her latest release has been praised as an important account which aims to change how M.E. is diagnosed before treatment can be discovered.
Valerie Moody with her guests at the launch of Many Days her 3rd book telling of her experience of M.E. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Photo Clive Wasson
In her speech, Valerie described M.E. as a terrible disease “that creeps silently into homes and communities unnoticed and robs the individual of almost everything except life itself especially in the more seriously affected particularly in the initial stages.”
She said: “This disease should never be allowed to exist unchallenged without medical intervention.
“This sadly is where the M.E. community is at today.
“No M.E. experts, no M.E. Clinic, no help.”
Linda Elliott and Winnie Lyttle with Valerie Moody at the launch of Many Days a 3rd book by Valerie telling of her experience of M.E. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Photo Clive Wasson
Valerie added: “The M.E. Community are a forgotten people remaining invisible to our governments and our medical establishment.
“We do need more input, more funds available for research, a better understanding of our disease and symptom recognition and definitely more empathy and acceptance within our medical establishment.”
In her newest book Many Days, Valerie has written 71,000 words to give a voice to the M.E. Community.
She said that Saturday’s launch was her own humble attempt to enlighten and encourage change.
The book was officially launched by Former Donegal Minister Dinny McGinley. Proceeds from the event will be donated to M.E. research.
See more photos from the special event, by Clive Wasson, below:
Some of the crowd enjoying a cup of tea at the launch of Many Days a 3rd book by Valerie Moody telling of her experience of M.E. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Photo Clive Wasson
Dinny McGinley speaking as he launched ” Many Days” a 3rd book by Valerie Moody telling of her experience of M.E. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Photo Clive Wasson
May Lowery and Iris Long at the launch of Many Days a 3rd book by Valerie Moody telling of her experience of M.E. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Photo Clive Wasson
Cauldwell and Loraine Smyth at the launch of Many Days a 3rd book by Valerie Moody telling of her experience of M.E. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Photo Clive Wasson
Irene Moody, Alan Moody, Barbara Moran and Dorothy Moody at the launch of Many Days a 3rd book by Valerie Moody telling of her experience of M.E. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Photo Clive Wasson
Valerie Moddy at the launch of Many Days her 3rd book telling of her experience of M.E. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Photo Clive Wasson
Ian McCracken, MC and Dinny McGinley at the launch of Many Days a 3rd book by Valerie Moody telling of her experience of M.E. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Photo Clive Wasson
Drew Nelson, David Moody and Lesley Matthews at the launch of Many Days a 3rd book by Valerie Moody telling of her experience of M.E. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Photo Clive Wasson
Lorraine, Cameron and Kate Beck at the launch of Many Days a 3rd book by Valerie Moody telling of her experience of M.E. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Photo Clive Wasson