Retirement of the Countess of Mar as Chair of Forward-ME

The Countess of Mar retired as the founding Chair of Forward-ME in 2021, marking the end of her remarkable tenure advocating for individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Below are the key highlights of her contributions:

1. Founding Forward-ME:
   • Established in 2008, Forward-ME brought together ME charities and organizations to collaborate effectively and amplify their impact.
2. Advocacy and Achievements:
   • The Countess of Mar played a pivotal role in improving medical education, promoting biomedical research, and advocating for better healthcare services for ME patients.
   • She led a landmark House of Lords debate on the PACE trial, contributing to critical discussions on ME treatment guidelines.
3. Legacy and Recognition:
   • Her efforts were instrumental in securing improvements to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) draft revised guidance on ME.
   • The ME community and parliamentary colleagues have widely acknowledged her dedication and far-reaching impact.

Forward-ME continues its mission under new leadership, building on the strong foundation laid by the Countess of Mar to support and represent the ME patient community.