'Teenager took his life after suffering years of ill health'

From the Eastbourne Herald, 31 July 2009

A TEENAGER took his own life after struggling to come to terms with having ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).

Guy Ramsey was diagnosed with the condition when he was 12 and as a result had to take time off school and was often in pain. ME/CFS is a condition that causes marked long-term fatigue, pain and other symptoms.

An inquest into the 18-year-old's death at Eastbourne Magiatrates Court heard that he had previously taken an overdose and ws desperate to get better.

His body was found at the foot of cliffs at Beachy Head after two visitors to the area saw the art and design student jump from the cliff edge in February this year.

A statement read out on behalf of Guy's mother, Alison Ramsey, who attended the inquest, explained that he would often become withdrawn and irritable.

The inquest heard that Guy, who lived at Chedworth House, Avon Buildings, in Boscombe, Dorset, took an overdose in July 2007 and was taken to hospital.

The casualty doctor said he would look into arranging an out-patient appointment. Guy's condition improved during that summer and he started at college in September that year.

But his mother said the following summer he began to deteriorate physically and mentally after suffering problems with his eyesight.

The statement added that Guy, who was interested in computer animation, tried a number of treatment such as acupuncture and a natural light box to help his condition.