A CONFERENCE hosting Myalgic encephalopathy (ME) researchers, specialists and patients is due to take place.

The event, hosted by the Sussex ME Society, is due to take place at the Malmaison Hotel at Brighton Marina on Friday, October 29.

The conference will see University of Sussex researchers, specialist doctors and patients discuss new research findings and planned studies into the debilitating illness ME and Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Topics including gene expression differences, interoception findings and the differences in inflammatory markers will also be discussed.

Speakers will include Dr Jessica Eccles and research doctors from Brighton and Sussex Medical School and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, who have been conducting studies into ME, CFS and Fibromyalgia.

Chairing the conference will be specialist physician Dr Alan Stewart, whose talk will include Covid-19, ME and CFS, and what has been learned about the illnesses since the society’s conference in 2016.

Simon Burgess, the former Brighton and Hove City Council leader, is due to open the event speaking of his experience.

Ahead of the event, Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas said: “I think this once again shows how lucky we are to have such a fantastic service here in Sussex and the lifeline you have provided for local people during the pandemic highlights the need for increased funding for services and research for people living with chronic fatigue syndrome”.

The Sussex ME Society works for the approximately 4,000 adults and children that are affected by the debilitating illness to varying degrees across the county.

Colin Barton, chairman of the society, said: “We are fortunate to have good researchers and NHS services in our area that are leading the way in ME studies and illness management.

“This is a good example of the scientific and medical communities working with the voluntary sector.”