Belle and Sebastian singer in ME protest

and I think that would be a good motto for ME.”

ME, sometimes known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is a debilitating neurological disease which causes symptoms including profound fatigue and cognitive impairment and can strike people of all ages, devastating previously healthy and active lives.

Carol Monaghan, MP for Glasgow North West, will also speak at the event after organising a Westminster debate on ME in February.

She said: “This is a great opportunity for those living with ME to raise awareness of the condition, and I am pleased to be able to contribute. I have visited a number of constituents living with ME, and I have been shocked by the lack of assistance available – the main carer is often an elderly parent and welfare support is usually minimal.

“There remains a huge need for research and education amongst public and medical practitioners alike on the reality of living with ME and the best courses of treatment.

“If things are to improve, this research must be given proper funding, and any future guidelines must be drawn up through listening to people living with ME. I made it clear that February’s debate was only the starting point and I will be pushing for a wider debate in Parliament.

“Protests like Millions Missing will ensure that we keep this issue alive.”

As many with the condition are too ill to attend, they will be represented at the protest by empty pairs of shoes sent to symbolise the Millions Missing – those with the condition unable to live a normal life.

0 Kimberly Gurav is housebound with severe ME Kimberly Gurav, is from West Kilbride and has lived in Edinburgh for seven years. The 34-year-old, who used to work in HR at the University of Edinburgh has being living with ME for three years.

She said: “I now have severe ME, I’m in the 25 per cent category – around a quarter of people with the condition are severe. When I got the diagnosis last summer I would have had mild or moderate ME.

“This meant I couldn’t work but I had a measure of independence, getting out a few times a week. I still had something of a life.

“However, because my GPS knew so little about ME, and because the referral to the local ME service took around six months I had no support or advice whatsoever.

“I am now housebound. I can’t leave the house without exacerbating my health very badly.

“My symptoms include severe debilitating fatigue, regular migraines, food intolerances and sleep disturbances.”