Biography
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Louise Sargent Writer | Photographer | Advocate |
Louise Sargent was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in 1993, at the age of fourteen, following a tuberculosis vaccine and influenza. After several difficult years she was encouraged to write about her experience and reach out to other M.E. sufferers. Louise launched M.E. Support in 2001 with her memoir M.E. My Story and she invited people to share their own experiences.
Louise taught herself web development and expanded her knowledge on health and diseases. M.E. Support became one of the leading websites on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, providing accessible information, reliable advice and compassionate support. It evolved into a successful self-funded non-profit cause known as M.E. Support UK (MESUK), and with the help of a committed team of volunteers, the organisation was able to raise awareness of this chronic neurological disease around the world. Additionally, Louise’s unique experience and knowledge was regularly called upon by charities, healthcare professionals and the news media. In 2023, having tirelessly supported the community for more than two decades, Louise made the decision to scale down her workload and revert M.E. Support to a personal website.
Although her health remains challenging, Louise continues to raise vital awareness through M.E. Support, along with providing guidance on coping with this life-changing condition. In addition to her advocacy work, Louise is writing a much anticipated Book about managing Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, and she enjoys exploring her creative mind with the beauty and spontaneity of Photography. Louise has a peaceful and fulfilling life in her beloved home county of Sussex, where she lives in a period Cottage with her mother and carer, Lorraine. You can read more about Louise's life and work with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in her recent Interview.