A mother who spent nearly 17 years confined to her home due to the debilitating effects of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is now dedicating her life to assisting individuals with chronic illnesses. Helen Perks, 54, suffered a life-threatening miscarriage at 12 weeks of pregnancy, which triggered symptoms of extreme fatigue and left her unable to climb stairs.
Reflecting on her experience, Helen said: "I have never felt exhaustion like it, and I don't mean just tiredness. This was not a feeling where I just wanted to close my eyes and go to sleep, this was where all my body could strain to do was breathe. Some days even going to the toilet, which was only a few steps away, was totally exhausting."
Helen's condition deteriorated to the point where she lost her independence, career, and social life. She relied on her husband to carry her upstairs, bathe her, and act as her caregiver. She even required assistance from carers to prepare meals. Helen's journey was isolating and lonely, but as her symptoms began to subside, she knew she wanted to help others facing similar challenges.
