A horse rider has been forced to give up the sport she loves after being diagnosed with a “frustrating” condition.

Rosemary Gilligan, who lives in Shenley, was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis 23 years ago when she was 34.

The condition causes chronic fatigue and muscle pain and those with the disease can be left housebound or in bed for days at a time.

Ms Gilligan, a Hertsmere borough councillor until last week's elections, is now sharing her story as part of ME Awareness Month, which runs throughout May.

The 57-year-old said: “Before becoming ill I was involved in breeding and competing dressage horses. I can’t ride anymore as the lack of muscle control means I can literally slide off my horse.

“I used to be a systems analyst but now I can’t work for a living as no employer is prepared to put up with the unpredictable nature of my condition.

“The persistent tiredness makes driving a problem, and as I live in a fairly remote location that’s an issue.

“I feel so down a lot of the time because I am so frustrated at my limitations, as well as the constant flare-ups and infections.”

Rosemary copes with the symptoms of ME by balancing what energy she has and taking regular rest periods to manage her symptoms.

She said: “I do some voluntary work as a magistrate and local councillor.

“The meetings are scheduled a long time in advance and if I pace myself well in the periods before and after the event, it can be done.”