A YORK teenager who is battling with ME (chronic fatigue syndrome) is spreading the word about her condition with the help of a thought-provoking display.

Cheryll Neyt, 16, of Fulford Road, York, has put up the display in York Central Library as part of ME Awareness Week, which finishes tomorrow.

Cheryll fell ill with flu-like symptoms when she started secondary school, but said she was accused of faking her illness.

She was diagnosed with ME in 1999 and now studies at home with the aid of a tutor, but is keen to let other young sufferers know that there is hope for them.

Cheryll said: "One day I heard about AYME (Association of Young People with ME) and Tymes Trust - two support groups for children with ME.

"Just talking to them made me feel better. At last someone else understood. The help and advice they offered really helped me.

"Without the help of the support groups I am sure I would still be struggling with school. My life is more consistent now. I still have setbacks from time to time, but I feel I am making progress."

Also, this week, the mother of a York woman, who died after a ten-year battle with ME, travelled to London to call for more research into the disease.

Sheila Barry, of Huby, near Easingwold, whose daughter, Carli, died in February 2001, was among hundreds of campaigners who held a demonstration outside the Department of Health, on Monday, followed by the presentation of letters, surveys and petitions to 10 Downing Street.

Mrs Barry said a diagnostic test was desperately needed to enable sufferers to apply for benefits and get the medical treatment that they need.

She said: "I want funding into the causes of ME and a diagnostic test.

"Anybody with the condition has tremendous problems because they can't prove they are ill.

"Fighting for benefits without a diagnostic test is terrible."

Anyone affected by ME can contact www.youngactiononline.com or www.ayme.org.uk

Updated: 11:17 Saturday, May 17, 2003