Thank you for sharing that very moving personal memory of your friend Maeve. I couldn't agree more with your comment about how disabled people should not be forgotten. We are often invisible in the ableist society we live in. Sadly, Maeves death is yet another tragic reminder of how disabled people face systemic violations of their human rights such as the right to quality health care.
Maeves preventable death renews my determination to fight for a health service which provides high quality health care for people with ME. I would encourage everyone who has the health to do so to contact their local MPs and the Health Secretary about the coroners prevention of death notice. We need to put pressure on the powers that be to take the lives of people with ME seriously.
It's lovely to hear about Maeve, and to be reminded that she was a real person not a case in the newspaper. Thank you for sharing this I hope it helps you and all those who loved her.
Such strong young women, both of you! You have really got the story home! Constantly reliving it for you and her other friends and family is so tough! Keep writing for Maeve xxxx
What a beautifully written eulogy about a lovely, bright young Woman who was denied a longer life. I wish that I could have met her and that medicine would have been sufficiently advanced to cure her. Having closely followed the inquest as a fellow ME sufferer, though nowhere close to as acute, it is truly sad that Dr’s weren’t able to keep such a bright light shining. God bless you Maeve, your life and death has been by no means a waste; as through your hard fought, persistent battle, you have probably started to save many others with acute ME.
Huge love to Bethan, I am truly humbled at how concise, clear and open your writing is about Maeve whom you truly loved and loved well. Maeve is now a bright, shining light in heaven who will not be forgotten as her legacy lives on in those who loved her and in those whose lives will be helped through her death. May God bless you and may your lost life make a difference to many thousands struggling with this curse. 💞
Gosh it's gut wrenching to read this first hand account of your friendship with Maeve. She deserved so much better, all of us with MECFS do. Thank you for sharing this story. Most people don't know what a horrific illness this is: both symptoms and how we are treated.
Oh my, thankyou from my heart, Bethan! Like so many in the community I've been following the inquest on Maeve's death with pain and anger and hope that it may help bring part of that miracle; and watching her Mum & Dad in awe at their honesty and strength, and also wishing I could have known her. Your post is an amazing insight into Maeve as she was - now I wish even more I could have known her even a little (and shared books! writing! learning Irish!) . Your love and your own strength and skills come across so clearly; you are a great writer and a great friend, and a great ally to the chronically ill community. Maeve would be so proud of you and glad for your friendship. Maith thú, agus go raibh mile maith agut!
Thank you everyone for your kind words, your responses to this piece meant so much. My thoughts are with this community always but especially as we approach the end of the year. Sending love.
Thank you for sharing that very moving personal memory of your friend Maeve. I couldn't agree more with your comment about how disabled people should not be forgotten. We are often invisible in the ableist society we live in. Sadly, Maeves death is yet another tragic reminder of how disabled people face systemic violations of their human rights such as the right to quality health care.
Maeves preventable death renews my determination to fight for a health service which provides high quality health care for people with ME. I would encourage everyone who has the health to do so to contact their local MPs and the Health Secretary about the coroners prevention of death notice. We need to put pressure on the powers that be to take the lives of people with ME seriously.
It's lovely to hear about Maeve, and to be reminded that she was a real person not a case in the newspaper. Thank you for sharing this I hope it helps you and all those who loved her.
Such strong young women, both of you! You have really got the story home! Constantly reliving it for you and her other friends and family is so tough! Keep writing for Maeve xxxx
Thank you, Maeve must have been a very special person... My daughter is 19 and we are hoping there is going to be a cure soon...
What a beautiful tribute Bethan. Maeve would have been so proud of you. Lovely to hear all those stories and little details.
❤️x
Thank you
PS you DEFINITELY should write - Maeve was right ;-)
What a beautifully written eulogy about a lovely, bright young Woman who was denied a longer life. I wish that I could have met her and that medicine would have been sufficiently advanced to cure her. Having closely followed the inquest as a fellow ME sufferer, though nowhere close to as acute, it is truly sad that Dr’s weren’t able to keep such a bright light shining. God bless you Maeve, your life and death has been by no means a waste; as through your hard fought, persistent battle, you have probably started to save many others with acute ME.
Huge love to Bethan, I am truly humbled at how concise, clear and open your writing is about Maeve whom you truly loved and loved well. Maeve is now a bright, shining light in heaven who will not be forgotten as her legacy lives on in those who loved her and in those whose lives will be helped through her death. May God bless you and may your lost life make a difference to many thousands struggling with this curse. 💞
Gosh it's gut wrenching to read this first hand account of your friendship with Maeve. She deserved so much better, all of us with MECFS do. Thank you for sharing this story. Most people don't know what a horrific illness this is: both symptoms and how we are treated.
I am so sorry for your loss and I pray that a cure for ME is found soon 🙏
Oh my, thankyou from my heart, Bethan! Like so many in the community I've been following the inquest on Maeve's death with pain and anger and hope that it may help bring part of that miracle; and watching her Mum & Dad in awe at their honesty and strength, and also wishing I could have known her. Your post is an amazing insight into Maeve as she was - now I wish even more I could have known her even a little (and shared books! writing! learning Irish!) . Your love and your own strength and skills come across so clearly; you are a great writer and a great friend, and a great ally to the chronically ill community. Maeve would be so proud of you and glad for your friendship. Maith thú, agus go raibh mile maith agut!
Thank you everyone for your kind words, your responses to this piece meant so much. My thoughts are with this community always but especially as we approach the end of the year. Sending love.