Erika Trueman

It was 1994 and I was working as the Office Manager in a medical oncology department when my disease first happened. I was out on a walk one day when I was suddenly hit by overwhelming exhaustion. I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It’s a disease of the central nervous system that hits your physical abilities and your ability to think as well.

I’ve been looking for some part time work for five years. I am on Incapacity Benefit but my advisor told me I could do up to 13.5 hours a week without losing benefits. I did get a job working as a receptionist at a health centre. But it only lasted two weeks. I was having to deal with patients, the phone, the paperwork all at the same time. It was too much.

I’ve started working through Slivers for a Housing Association. They need me to do data entry but they let me work in short bursts. That’s fine. Slivers is perfect for me. I 58, I don’t think I am going to have a normal job again.