ME support groups are banking on success of new trial

A NEW trial to investigate possible causes and cures for a debilitating illness has been welcomed by local charities.

Three organisations and a private donor have come together to fund the work, which it is hoped will improve the understanding of ME.

Under this project a biobank of human blood samples will be gathered and specifically used to look into the illness.

It is thought around 4000 people in the Lothians are affected by ME, and the lack of clinical research has long been a source of frustration.

Among the charities involved will be Action for ME, the ME Association and ME Research UK.

Action for ME's chief executive Sir Peter Spencer said: "This biobank will be an invaluable resource for scientific research into the different sub types of the condition and for seeking biomarkers that could play an essential part in diagnosis.

"At the moment there is no definitive test for ME.

"I believe the biobank will quickly prove its immense value to researchers."