Ex-servicemen diagnosed with M.E to take on 10k run for military charity

Former airman Anthony Jackson, 32, from Swadlincote, Derbyshire is set to take on the Derby 10k on April 15^th 2018, despite being diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis which will make his run even tougher.

Anthony was diagnosed with M.E, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 2014. The long-term, fluctuating, neurological condition means that Anthony experiences severe fatigue, which affects his ability to carry out ordinary daily activities. Despite this, Anthony threw himself in at the deep end with just two weeks’ notice to train, after he nobly stepped up to take his fiancée’s place, when she suddenly had to drop out due to needing surgery just before the event

Anthony, who served with the Royal Air Force for six and half years, said: “For me, M.E is just constantly feeling fatigue and like someone has just pulled the plug. It’s like a virus you never recover from and my immune system is always one step behind. Dieting and core workouts really help but I have to make sure I get enough rest as well.”

The 32-year-old will be taking on the challenge to support military charity Blesma, The Limbless Veterans.

“The run will take some major effort, but I’m determined to do it even if I have to crawl over the finish line. Blesma Members inspire me. If people can get over losing limbs, I can accept M.E. I have to learn that M.E adapts to my life, not I adapt to it.”

If you would like to support Anthony, please visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AnthonyHarrodJackson

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor

Hi-res images can be downloaded from the links below: http://blesma.org/media/442662/anthony-harrod-jackson-2.jpg