Maeve Boothby-O'Neill, whose inquest has now concluded, was just 27 years old when she died. Remembered as 'articulate' and 'intelligent' by loved ones, aspiring writer Maeve died after living with a complex case of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) , which saw her condition deteriorate to the point where she was unable to eat, drink or sit up. Just four months before her death, Maeve wrote to her doctor begging him to help her 'get enough food to live'.
As per the NHS website, those living with very severe ME may spend all their time resting in bed and can be 'fully dependent on carers', who assist with everything from eating to using the toilet. Approximately 25 per cent of ME patients are severely or very severely impacted and will be housebound or even bedbound. Some symptoms can be managed with medicine, however, there is no cure for ME, which is also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, and no singular treatment.
On top of their often significant struggles, patients also often have to deal with limited public understanding of just how debilitating this condition can be. Tragically, Maeve is far from the only person whose hopes and dreams for the future were ripped apart by ME. Here, the Mirror takes a look at other cases which highlight the severity of this agonising disease.
Maeve Boothby-O'Neill Maeve, who died at home on October 3, 2021, was a highly intelligent young woman who dreamed of travelling and going to university. Sadly, living with ME meant she was unable to li.