Chester school boy takes on 50 mile bike ride for ME/CFS in honour of his mum

Eight-year-old Harvey Capewell, from Chester, is embarking on a 50 mile cycle challenge in June to raise money for The ME Association.

Harvey chose the charity as his mum, Jo, was diagnosed with ME/CFS seven years ago and the chronic condition has had a significant impact on her daily life.

Harvey, a pupil at Hoole Church of England Primary School in Chester, will clock up 50 miles across the month of June. He will be joined by his Dad, Dave, who said, “I couldn’t be more proud. This was all Harvey’s own idea, and his idea to drag me into it too!”

To prepare for the challenge, Harvey has been training during the weekends and some evenings, completing smaller bike rides on the build up to tackling 50 miles.

Harvey said:

"My mum has ME/CFS, which really affects her life and it's very disappointing because she is unable to do many of the things she would like to do that are fun. I want to raise as much money as I can so it can help her get better and we can live a happy life,”

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 that 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.

Jo was diagnosed with ME/CFS not long after Harvey was born. Following her diagnosis, she experienced particularly difficult years where she was bedbound for long periods. Today, Jo remains unable to work due to her condition. She is largely housebound and needs to rest for several hours each day to manage her limited energy.

The condition also impacts family life. Jo is unable to take Harvey to school, a 6-minute walk away, or attend his sports clubs, events, or friends’ parties. While Harvey is still able to take part in these activities, Jo often misses out. With careful planning, the family can enjoy some time together, although this can sometimes involve using a wheelchair to enable Jo to join in.

Jo, Harvey’s Mum, said:

“I am so proud that Harvey is doing a fundraising cycle for The ME Association. He is more into football than cycling so that’s why it’s a good challenge for him. It’s not just about raising money, it’s about highlighting ME/CFS and how it affects families. Before I became ill, I used to cycle a lot, and I’d have loved to join them but it’s not something I can manage now. I’m very proud of them both.”

Martine Ainsworth-Wells, trustee and campaigns director at The ME Association, explained:

“The ME Association is full of admiration for Harvey and the amazing challenge he has set himself. At just eight years old, he is showing incredible kindness and strength, turning something so personal into hope for others. ME/CFS can be a difficult condition for families to face, and Harvey’s 50 mile cycle is a great example of hope and positivity. Every mile he rides will help raise awareness and vital funds, and we’re so proud to have him and his family supporting the ME/CFS community,”

To donate, please visit Harvey’s Just Giving page: 

https://www.justgiving.com/page/harveys-big-ride

If you have been inspired by Harvey's story and would like to take part in your own event and fundraise for The ME Association, please visit their website: 

https://meassociation.org.uk/get-involved/

Pictured - Harvey Capewell, from Chester, with his bike.