AYME founder honoured by Open University

A remarkable woman who has enriched the lives of thousands of children and young people struck down by ME/CFS will be awarded an honorary doctorate this week.

Jill Moss, founder of the Association of Young People with ME (AYME, pronounced 'aim'), which started in 1996 as a small self-help group in her Milton Keynes home and is now the UK's largest children's ME/CFS charity, will receive her award from the Open University's Chancellor, Dame Betty Boothroyd.

Jill, who was voted MK Hero in the 2002 BBC Three Counties Radio awards, said: "I feel immensely proud and delighted to receive this honour."  AYME's President, TV Presenter and children's champion, Esther Rantzen, CBE, said: "I'm thrilled for Jill.  Her determination, enthusiasm and vision have made AYME what it is today - a truly successful, free membership charity run for and by children and young people with ME/CFS."

The Open University choose to award Jill with an honorary degree for her work in areas of special educational concern to the University as well as services to the educationally underprivileged.

Jill's interest in creating access to education and life opportunities for young people was sparked during her time working as a special needs teacher.  Jill founded a playgroup before training as a teacher of the deaf.  She attained an Open University degree followed by a Master's degree in Special Educational Needs.  Following 18 years teaching, Jill was forced to retire with the illness ME/CFS.  Whilst recovering, she met five local children with ME/CFS and wrote a book for them Somebody Help ME, explaining their illness and how to cope with it.  She won the 1995 BT/Childline 'Services for Children' award. 

Through AYME, Jill has continued to open up opportunities for young people who have lost out on education and their social peer group, enabling them to rediscover their confidence and self-esteem.

Ann Glaister, Open University Sub-Dean (Curriculum), School of Health and Social Welfare, who will present Jill with her award, has first hand experience of the contribution Jill has made to young people with ME/CFS, since her own daughter missed out on three years of her life due to ME/CFS.

"My daughter was helped enormously by AYME at the time when she needed it most. Jill's work has supported thousands of young people, like my daughter, enabling many to get back on track in their educational and social lives," says Mrs Glaister.

Jill will receive her honorary doctorate at an Open University graduation ceremony at Milton Keynes Theatre at 2.30pm on Wednesday 23 June 2004. 

Contacts:

Gabi Nobis     Open University Media Relations Officer       01908 655026           
                                                                                                  g.nobis@open.ac.uk

Katie James   AYME Press and Projects Officer                   07816 989067
                                                                                                 katie@ayme.org.uk

Article last edited on Monday 03rd August 2009                          Printable Version