A CHARITY is helping to recruit people to take part in research into the debilitating condition ME.

The Sussex ME Society says the study aims to try to understand the mechanisms behind the chronic pain and fatigue suffered by patients.

Researchers are looking for people aged 18 to 65 who have a firm diagnosis of ME.

People with the conditions chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia can also take part.

The research will involve routine medical procedures, including brain scans, heart rate and blood pressure measurement, questionnaires and blood tests.

The project is a collaboration between the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust and Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

Sussex ME Society member Colin Barton said: “We are pleased to be able to assist in this important research.

“This was first outlined at our 2016 Brighton conference that was attended by doctors and scientists with an interest in these disabling illnesses.”

ME or chronic fatigue syndrome that can sometimes follow a viral infection or trauma is thought to affect around 5,000 people across the county.

Many of these patients are left housebound and in need of care while others find it difficult to hold down jobs.

Those interested in volunteering for the research should contact the charity on 01273 674828.