A score to settle

Reading Chronicle 13th September 2007

A singer-songwriter whose music has helped her cope with ME is celebrating
success in a national competition. Sam Shearsmith, of West Reading, finished
in the top 20 of The UK Songwriting Contest with Life's Like This.

She said: "It is about my experiences, having to keep going and how life is
like a roller coaster. I was diagnosed with ME in 2002 and singing has been
my lifeline. It was amazing to do so well in my first competition especailly
as there were 5,000 entrants."

The 35-year-old, who lives off Oxford Road, began singing in 2005 and has
produced a three track demo. She said: "Having ME has given me time to think
about what I wanted to do. I was feeling very isolated but focusing on music
and teaching myself the guitar has really helped me through it.

To begin with I was so lonely and it's given me something to look forward
to."

Sam was forced to give up working as a nanny when she was diagnosed but she
is now writing new material. She hopes to set up a studio at her home and to
get some gig dates.

To hear Sam's music visit My Space
To find out more about ME visit ME Association