Oliver Stockley is going over to France next month to take part in one of the world’s most iconic races.

He will be running the Paris Marathon on Sunday 12^th April, a race that starts at Arc de Triomphe, goes down the Champs-Élysées, through Rue de Rivoli, and features views of Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower.

It’s a special day for the many thousands who take part, but it will be just that bit more special for 33-year-old Stockley because 10 years ago he was diagnosed with ME/CFS.

At the time he had just started his first job following his graduation from university and he enjoyed an active lifestyle including cycling, running and walking. 

Due to his symptoms, he was unable to continue working full-time and had to return to live with his parents to ensure he had additional support.

“Suddenly, the things I’d taken for granted – walking, running, even reading books – felt impossibly exhausting,” said Stockley, who is from Gloucester.

“I had to stop them all and any exertion was followed by days or weeks of feeling wiped out. 

“On the outside I looked healthy and able, but I was experiencing debilitating symptoms; my life fell apart and it was terrifying. 

“On my worst days, I was stuck in bed and unable to move, sleeping 16 hours a day. I tried to get up to go to the bathroom but couldn’t hold my own weight. I had to crawl.”

ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), also known as CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), is a multisystemic disease. Symptoms include profound fatigue, sleep disturbance, post-exertional malaise, cognitive difficulties and a range of other symptoms including pain, headaches, nausea and intolerance to lights and noise.  

It is estimated at least 404,000 people in the UK have ME/CFS. In addition, 950,000 people unable to recover from a Covid infection could meet the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS, which could mean that 1,350,000 adults and children in the UK are affected by ME/CFS.

Stockley no longer presents most of its symptoms. He has since returned to a full-time role and is living independently. 

“I have gradually been able to build up my fitness,” he said. “I finally feel able to reconnect with an activity I always loved, running, and I feel it’s safe to run a distance that 10 years ago felt impossible. 

“The Paris Marathon is a deeply meaningful challenge for me, and a chance for me to show how far I’ve come against this underrepresented condition that dominated my life for many years.”

Stockley is running in France in aid of The ME Association and he continued: “It’s my way of giving back to The ME Association – without their resources, I would have been completely lost.”

Martine Ainsworth-Wells, trustee and campaigns director at The ME Association, said: “We wish Oliver all the best for his training in the lead-up to the Paris Marathon and, of course, on the day itself. 

“His efforts don’t just support our work, they inspire everyone connected to our cause and ultimately help us raise awareness and understanding of ME/CFS.”

Stockley has been training for several months, balancing early‑morning runs and weekend long‑distance sessions with the ultimate goal to boost awareness of ME/CFS. 

He is also a member of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trail Runners, an adventure running club that meet regularly to complete trails as part of a team and community.

Stockley has set a fundraising target of £900, with all donations going directly to The ME Association. To donate, visit his Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/ostockley