MUM ENDS HUNGER STRIKE AFTER TREATMENT PLEDGE

Leicester Mercury - 26 February 2005

A mother who was 12 days into a hunger strike over a row with health bosses has ended her protest.

Christine Jennings, 43, who took the action after she claimed doctors refused to recognise that she has Lyme disease has now been given an appointment with a specialist.

The news brings to an end a dramatic protest by the mother of four whose health was worsening by the day because her protest meant she could no longer take the medication.

She began the hunger strike because she claims doctors would not recognise her illness, which she says was caused by a tick bite in Bradgate park 10 years ago.

The problem has left her blind, needing a wheelchair and reliant on daily steroids and strong painkillers.

Supported by her eldest daughter Rebecca, Miss Jennings refused to give up her hunger strike until she had proof of an appointment with an eye-specialist at the James Cooke University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

Her battle was won yesterday morning when a letter arrived at her home in Strathmore Road, Hinckley, telling her she will see the consultant on Thursday.

Since her story was publicised by the Leicester Mercury last week, she has been inundated with messages of support from around the world.

An American doctor specialising in Lyme disease has now volunteered to liaise with the James Cooke Hospital over her diagnosis and treatment. A European specialist has also offered to give her a second opinion.

Rebecca, who will drive her mother to Cleveland for the appointment, said: "My mum had some soup and a custard slice at lunchtime which she said has never tasted better."

Recovering at home, an emotional Christine said: "After 12 days without food it did taste quite good.

"I am happy but worried at the same time.

"I don't want it to be just another referral. I just hope I have the right tests so they can finally treat my condition.

"With the response we have received, more people are now aware of the disease. I just hope its not another dead-end.

"I wouldn't recommend the action I've taken to anybody, but I want people to know it is how desperate I felt. I am blind and immobile and it was the only thing I could do to get people to listen. I've just been messed around so much.

She said: "I would like to thank everybody who helped and supported me, especially all those people who share my condition."