Man with severe ME speaks out about 'cruel and difficult' disease

Friday, 7 August 2026 06:17

38-year old Juan Corlett's condition has worsened in recent years

A man living with severe ME on the Island says there are times when he can only manage around 15 minutes of conversation a day.

The cause of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, otherwise known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is relatively unknown and can be difficult to diagnose.

It causes extreme tiredness and often leaves people housebound, confined to their beds or even immobile.

Thirty-eight-year-old Juan Corlett has suffered from the full effects of ME since 2018 after first catching the Epstein-Barr virus.

In recent years, his condition has deteriorated:

Tomorrow (Saturday 8 August) marks Severe ME Awareness Day.

ME Research UK says estimates suggest around 25 percent of individuals with ME suffer from the severe form of the disease.

You can listen to the full interview with Juan Corlett via the Manx Radio Newscast below:

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