Happy Hayley hopes to help others with ME

Hayley Keen, 16, of Robertsbridge, was left virtually bedbound when she was struck down with the illness four years ago.

She suffered from constant tiredness and fatigue, dizziness, sickness, muscle pain and confusion.

The condition affected her schooling and she lost touch with all her friends.

But in February this year, Hayley took part in something called the Lightning Process, a form of brain training, and was hypnotised at a private hospital in Henfield to see if it would help her condition.

Hayley said: "As time went on and I read reports on it, I saw these people were getting better and I went in with an open mind.

"It's changed my life completely."

Since the treatment, Hayley has turned her life around and now goes into Robertsbridge Community College every day for as long as she can and has started taking part in the activities she enjoys once again.

She said: "I'm building school up and I've been skiing, which I have not been and tried since I have been ill.

"I have been walking to and from school and horseriding and dancing again."

She added: "What I have noticed the most since I have done the Lightning Process is I'm feeling happier.

"I'm happy all the time."

For the second year running, Hayley is organising a family fun day at Robertsbridge Cricket Club on May 31 from 12noon.

Attractions on the day include children's and adults cricket matches, tug-of-war, a bouncy castle, bungee run, barbecue, raffle, bar, tombola, coconut shy and balloon race.

Last year the event raised more than 3,000 and this year Hayley would like to match that total.

All money raised will go to the Association of Young People with ME (AYME).

Hayley said: "Doing my fundraising has given me something positive out of my illness.

"Nothing was good for me in the four years and this has given me something to look back on and be proud of.

"Last year it gave me something to focus on and it gave me something to look forward to.

"I think that helped me."

Hayley is now preparing to take GCSEs in maths, science and English and is hoping to attend Homewood Sixth Form in Tenterden to study acting, dancing and biology at A-level.

Nobody Hayley knows is going to the same college and the teenager is hoping it will mean a fresh start.

She said: "No-one knows my history so they will know me as a person rather than a person with ME.

"I want to get back to dancing, seeing my friends more and having a normal life."