Talented County Derry Triathlon family’s sporting fundraiser following son's devastating ME diagnosis

The Waltons, a dedicated sporting family from Ballerin, are committed to battling the disease that has devastated their son's life since 2020 through a team relay fundraiser at the upcoming Roe Valley Sprint Triathlon.

James Walton, a 27-year-old former chairman of the Triangle Triathlon Club and Irish International triathlete, saw his promising sports career come to an abrupt end after being diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).

James described the impact of the shattering condition on his life, saying: “Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) has turned my life upside down.  
“I had always been involved with sport from an early age and completed my first triathlon aged 16. 

“My life was devoted to training to become the best triathlete in the country.

“In September 2020 everything changed when I had an infection and never recovered - every day felt like I had run a marathon.

“Initially I tried to work and study, but my condition deteriorated steadily.

“I am now unable to leave the house- some days I can’t leave my bed.  

“I sold my car and have left the house twice in the past year which resulted in me having a huge setback each time.

“I had to stop my PhD as mental activity would leave me exhausted.  

“The diagnosis of ME took until October 2023. I have seen many consultants who agree that Epstein Barr virus and then COVID have caused my body to think it is under attack.

“My blood tests are abnormal but there is no treatment.

“I have tried everything, most recently anti-virals and injectable therapy with no improvement.

“There is no specific test for ME, a lack of awareness of this condition and an even greater deficit of research.

“There is no consultant for ME in Northern Ireland, despite this being promised in 2017. 
“This condition feels like profound grief for a previous life and incredible sadness for my family and loved ones.

“I can’t interact or have any quality time with them as it exhausts me and I have another setback.

“It is a very lonely place to be, and I dream of a day when I could just take the dog for a walk and make plans for my future.”

Prior to contracting this cruel condition, James had been excelling at his sport and had been part of the famous Brownlee training group whilst studying at Leeds.

His academic career was flourishing equally to his sporting prowess, he explained more.

“Weekends from April to October meant travelling with my family all over Ireland and internationally representing Ireland competing in triathlons,” he said.

“COVID interrupted this but I still maintained a strict training schedule throughout. 
“In 2019 I excelled in the Irish Triathlon Championships and the plans were for me to get my pro licence in 2020.

“I combined this with academia, completing a degree, then a MSc in Sports and Exercise physiology.

“This led to me being accepted for and commencing my PhD in optimal training practices in elite triathletes. 
“I had also started running my own triathlon coaching business and was Chairman of Triangle Triathlon Club - Life was fantastic.”

Contracting ME has been destructive for James’ sporting, academic and social life but he hopes that more investment and research into the disease will help him to regain control and independence over his condition.

He has selected Hope 4 ME and Fibro NI as the beneficiaries of the Walton fundraiser because of their relentless efforts in supporting those affected by these conditions.

He added: “Hope 4 ME and Fibro NI are constantly raising awareness of ME and raising funds for research.

“The government need to listen and invest in research and have a specialist service in place to manage this condition which the World Health Organisation classes as a disabling neurological condition.

“There are estimated to be around 8,000 patients here in N. Ireland with ME but this figure is likely to be the tip of the iceberg as there are no diagnostic services here.

“We can have our voices heard through the work of this charity and maybe have a chance to get our lives back.”

A male and female relay team have been entered into the local triathlon competition consisting of James’ family and friends to raise funds for Hope for ME and Fibro NI.

James’ father, Simon Walton, is taking part in the triathlon fundraiser and emphasised why it was crucial to raise essential funds and increase awareness of the condition.

“As a family we have been devastated by James’s illness,” Simon said.

“To see a young man in the prime of his life reduced to this is heartbreaking.

“As a family we had always travelled with James and supported him as an elite athlete. 
“We want to get a treatment that will work to give James his life back.  

“Hope4 ME and Fibro is a registered charity fundraising and lobbying for specialist biomedical care in N Ireland.

“As a family we have felt hopeless, but this charity has given us a focus. 
“On the day of the triathlon,18th May, James’s mother Evelyn will supply the flapjacks and shout from the sidelines as always!  
“The male relay is Orán, James’ brother doing the swim, Simon, James’ dad, doing the bike and Daniel, James’ brother, doing the run. 
“The female relay is Millie, Daniel’s girlfriend, doing the swim, Sabrina McLaughlin from Triangle Triathlon doing the bike and Zuzia, Orán’s girlfriend doing the run. 
“Triangle Triathlon Club has been amazing in their support for this.

“James had been chairman of this club until he had to resign due to the debilitating effects of ME on any social interaction. 

“It is especially poignant that this venue was James’s first triathlon and he won it on two occasions subsequently.”

Simon thanked the community for their support so far, saying the family were astounded at the response that the fundraiser had already produced and the huge amount of money raised.

He said: “It is a testament to how James has impacted on the lives of those around him.”

The Walton family fundraiser can be supported through their donation page here