Catherine Berry is trekking in the Himalayas to raise money for the M.E. Trust. She celebrated her recovery from CFS/ME by climbing to Everest base camp in 2010. Suffering for almost 10 years, Catherine spent every afternoon in bed and sometimes had to crawl to get upstairs. After her recovery, Catherine challeged herself to take part in an expedition to Everest where she met her fiancé André.

On the 29th March 2012, Catherine and André are heading back to the Himalayas in support of the M.E. Trust. This time they aim to trek even higher – to the summit of Island Peak

Island Peak is a mountain in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal. It was first named Island Peak in 1951 as it can appear to be an island in a sea of ice. The peak was renamed Imja Tse in 1983 but Island Peak remains the popular choice. The summit was first climbed in 1956 by a Swiss team as a training exercise in preparation for Mount Everest.

Catherine will be climbing to an altitude of almost 6200 metres. She will be experiencing the effects of high altitude as well coping with steep slopes of snow and ice. Crampons, Ice axes, and ropes will be needed to make their ascent

This is an enormous challenge undertaken by only the fittest of trekkers. It is an outstanding endeavour for someone who has been as seriously ill as Catherine.

We wish Catherine and André a wonderful experience during their trek and thank them for helping the ME Trust to transform the lives of people with CFS/ME.

Arthur is a regular supporter of The M.E Trust. His beautiful watercolour landscapes were exhibited at our launch event at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle in September 2011. It was Arthur’s second exhibition at the Castle.

Arthur’s owns a gallery near Santiago de Compestela in Spain. He was conceptual artist for the award winning WRAP garden designed by Chris Beardshaw for the 2005 Chelsea Flower Show.

Special thanks to Arthur Manton Lowe MSAI for generously donating 50% of the sales proceeds of his work to the M.E Trust.

www.manleygallery.com

Established over a century ago J Manley Gallery has a reputation for beautiful works of art.

The gallery has a highly skilled and experienced team of picture framers and art restorers.

J Manley Gallery was awarded its first royal warrant by King Edward VII; the most recent was awarded by HM The Queen in 1956.

The M.E. trust officially launched in September 2011 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. By kind permission of the Dean and Canons of Windsor an exhibition of art was held in the Dean’s Cloister. Rev Canon John Ovenden LVO warmly welcomed over 100 supporters at a reception to celebrate the launch of the charity.

Prior to the event guests attended Evensong. In this wonderful setting, amidst the Knights of the Garter regalia, prayers were made for all those affected by CFS/ME and for the M.E. Trust.

Guests spent a delightful evening enjoying delicious canapes and wines whilst viewing the works of Arthur Manton Lowe MSAI and Claudia Brown.

The artist Arthur Manton Lowe MSAI exhibited watercolours which included many works showing architecture and landscapes around Windsor, as well as a special painting depicting beautiful Burrswood Hospital in Kent.  Arthur is a former Eton resident and has exhibited previously at St George’s. He was conceptual artist for the award winning WRAP garden designed by Chris Beardshaw for the 2005 Chelsea Flower Show and owns a gallery near Santiago de Compestela in Spain. Works from the exhibition including paintings of London and landmarks in Europe are available for sale at J Manley Gallery, Eton.

Claudia Brown exhibited sculptures which illustrate the process of grief. Her emotive sculptures made from Perspex are illuminated with light projected from the base. This unique display creates a striking impression and gives dramatic impact to the forms. She is based in Hertfordshire and has a series of sculptures on permanent display at St Albans Cathedral.

The Trust wishes to thank both artists for generously donating 50% of the sales to the charity.

Thank you to all our supporters and friends for making the launch such a memorable occasion. The M.E. Trust is extremely grateful to the Dean and Canons of Windsor and to the Chapter Clerk and her team.

The event would not have been possible without the support of our wonderful sponsors.