Local sufferers of debilitating ME say awareness raising events in the Isle of Man could be a landmark in increasing understanding of the condition.

Dr Charles Shepherd, medical advisor to the ME Association in the UK, will be making a presentation today (Wednesday) for those with the condition and their families. It takes place at 1pm at Onchan Methodist Church. Tomorrow, he will give a training demonstration to the island's GPs.

Meanwhile, Dr Helen Greig from the Promenade Medical Centre has been appointed ME 'champion' for the Isle of Man. It's thought there could be around 350 sufferers in the island.

A spokesman told manx.net news: 'Many suffer in silence. Lack of an on-island specialist and sometimes poor understanding about the condition among GPs have been largely to blame. This week's visit by a UK expert in ME - or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - could prove a landmark event.'

Got a story? Contact Joanne on 340000 or email newsdesk@manx.net

twitter @jonewsiom