11-year-old Penmaenmawr girl's battle with chronic fatigue

Jun 10 2010 by Rayyan Parry, North Wales Weekly News

11-year-old Kari’s battle with Chronic fatigue

A YOUNG girl battling with ME is trying to get her life back to normal.

17 months ago, 11-year-old Kari Bethel from Penmaenmawr was diagnosed with ME or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Once a keen athlete that couldn’t be kept still, Kari’s life was turned around.

The condition has left the youngster in and out of a wheelchair and bed bound due to fatigue.

Mother-of-three Gina Bethel said: “We didn’t understand it.”

“It limited us with where we could go or do. She was in her bedroom. The social bit went. She wasn’t able to cope with the noise at school. Even the sound of the TV was too much.”

Kari’s condition has left her in and out of a wheelchair after the muscles in her legs have begun to wear down.

She also suffers with chronic fatigue, leaving her exhausted and unable to enjoy her free time with friends.

She also suffers with brain fog leaving her unable to think clearly.

Kari also has problems with sleeping due to the condition and suffers with high sensitivity to light and sound. Once diagnosed with the condition, the young girl was taken out of school for six months.

Now, Kari is slowly getting her life back to normal and is resuming her studies at Ysgol Capelulo in Dwygyfylchi.

Although Kari suffers with ME, she still plays her favourite sport netball four times a week, although it leaves her worn out.

“It takes a lot out of her. When she’s been to school for a full day, it’s total fatigue,” said Gina.

Kari receives regular check ups from her physiotherapist and a chronic fatigue specialist.

Slowly but surely, Kari, is being helped back on her feet by walking small distances.

Friends have been very supportive of the youngster by coming over to the house when she can’t herself.

The young girl is also a member of the Association for Young People with ME (AYME), a charity that supports young people living with the condition.

She recently raised over £160 by having a “mad hair day” at school and selling badges promoting the charity.

Headteacher at Ysgol Capelulo, Ms Glenda Morris, said: “It was very well supported by the children.

“She’s much better. She’s got her strength back.

“She’s coped marvellously well with her illness.”