THE APPEAL IS NOW COMPLETE – SO PLEASE NO MORE DONATIONS!

The ME Association are organising a bid to bring world-renowned virologist Professor Ian Lipkin to the UK to be a keynote speaker at the UK CFS/ME Research Collaborative conference to be held in Bristol this September.

Professor Lipkin – John Snow Professor of Epidemiology, Professor of Neurology and Pathology at Columbia University, New York – has agreed to speak at the event,  which will also include a session where people with ME/CFS will be able to meet key researchers and put forward their views on all aspects of research into this illness.

In recent years, Professor Lipkin has developed a special interest in ME/CFS.

He has not asked for a fee but has a medical condition that requires that he can recline on the trans-Atlantic flight and will therefore need business-class tickets.

The ME Association are one of several charities of the executive board of the CMRC and, providing arrangements can be finalised, we are prepared to contribute £800 towards the cost of Professor Lipkin's flights.

The trustees of Action for M.E. have also agreed to contribute £500 on a personal basis towards the cost and we have a pledge from Elaine Newman, MEA fundraiser, to raise £300 from her Ben Nevis climb.

But we estimate that a further £1,500 will be required to cover all of the travel and accommodation costs involved.

Can you help bring this rather special person to the UK by making a contribution yourself?

MEA medical adviser Dr Charles Shepherd commented:

"The September conference will bring together almost everyone who is carrying out research, or is interested in carrying out research into ME/CFS, here in the UK.  So we feel it is very important to also have a number of international experts in the field presenting their current findings and plans for future research. 

"Professor Ian lipkin and his team are making a major contribution to our understanding of the role of infection and immune system disturbance in ME/CFS - so we hope that everyone will consider making a donation to this appeal."

* Please note that, in the unlikely event of this appeal not being successful, we shall be in touch with donors to ask whether they want their money back or whether they are prepared for it to be paid into our dedicated research fund.

** Donations may also be made by phone to our office on 01280 818964 on weekdays between 9.30am and 3.30pm or by cheques payable to The ME Association and sent to 7 Apollo Office Court, Radclive Road, Gawcott, Bucks MK18 4DF. If posting, make clear the money is intended for the Ian Lipkin Appeal and always give us your address and phone number.