A woman with a debilitating fatigue disorder that meant she used to struggle just washing her hair is now devoting her energy to raising awareness about her illness.

Rianna Crowle, of Pinner, is one of the 250,000 men, women and children in the UK affected by myalgic encephalomyelitis – better known as ME or chronic fatigue syndrome.

She was diagnosed in October 2014 after suffering from aches, severe anxiety, indigestion, and heightened senses.

By sharing her story for ME Awareness Month this May, the 21-year-old hopes to help others understand what it’s like to live with the condition.

She said: “I have put a lot of my time into researching what helps and what doesn't, and I have learnt what is good for me and what isn't.

“I have changed my lifestyle to one that suits me, one that allows me to live my life as best I can.”

Around a quarter of people with ME are so severely affected that they remain bed or housebound, with symptoms affecting most bodily systems.

Rianna added: “Last Christmas I felt dreadful. I thought I was going to die and that I would never get better.

“I have now been out of work and education for two years. I’m only just starting to get back on track, but I still don't feel able to work to my full potential.

“When my ME was at its worst, I felt awful. I couldn't eat, I couldn't move, I couldn't go out or exercise or anything.

“Even washing my hair was tiring and my mum had to help me on more than one occasion. I caught a virus at the same time so my energy levels were close to zero”.

Charity Action for Me works to provide information and support to people affected by ME and their carers, and campaigns for more research, better treatments and better services for those suffering with the condition.

For more information on ME, or how to live with it, visit www.actionforme.org.uk or call 0117 927 9551.