Lyme Disease UK patient ambassadors are members of our Online Community and are available for interviews. Case studies can be requested if necessary, please contact media@lymediseaseuk.com.
Natasha Metcalf
Co-Founder & Chair, Lyme Disease UK
Natasha’s health started declining around the age of 16. She was misdiagnosed multiple times and initially experienced periods of relapsing and remitting illness, which interrupted her life and education frequently. After graduating, things took a turn for the worse in 2008. Overall, it took 12 years and a trip to America to discover that she had been battling Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections. She co-founded Lyme Disease UK in 2013.
Adam Lomax
Media Professional
Adam suddenly fell severely ill with debilitating flu-like symptoms including shivers, sweats, fatigue and neck pain shortly before his 21st birthday, whilst living near the New Forest in Southampton. After receiving a diagnosis of ME/CFS for more than 7 years and making improvements, he was eventually diagnosed with Lyme disease following a positive blood test. Currently in treatment, Adam feels passionately about pushing for greater research and funding in this field, as well as working to encourage greater levels of communication between the NHS and leading Lyme-Literate Medical Doctors. Having worked part-time in media for some years, Adam regularly uses his contacts within the industry to help raise local awareness and understanding of this debilitating condition.
Samantha Ash
Former Sales/Business Development Manager
Samantha’s son has Lyme disease, having been ill for more than five years since being bitten by a tick in their local park in Windsor, when he was only nine. He later had a bone tumour removed from the site of the bite, and it took eighteen months to get a diagnosis of Lyme disease. At age ten, he became unable to read, struggled with speech and writing, and had a myriad of chronic pain and fatigue symptoms which left him housebound and unable to attend school. Campaigning for awareness and research into better diagnostic testing and treatment has become a passion for Samantha.
Sophie Ward
Former World Class Swimmer
Sophie was bitten in 2008 in China, aged 14 when she was watching her friends at the Olympics. Her dream was to swim at the London 2012 Olympics and she was in the World Class programme. She was bitten by a tick while visiting pandas. Her health declined rapidly and doctors wanted to section her, labelling her with a mental disorder. Despite an increasing list of physical symptoms including blurred vision, food intolerances, joint pain, migraines and low blood pressure, she went undiagnosed for 9 years. Since receiving a diagnosis, Sophie has made it her mission to campaign and raise awareness about Lyme disease. Her work with LDUK motivates her to keep fighting and she is passionate about fundraising and making a difference.
Stephen and Angela Bullough
Former Martial Arts Champion and Lyme Disease Awareness Pioneer
Stephen was a previous World, European and British martial arts champion and was/is a Karate 9th Dan. After a rash that was presumed ringworm and with a myriad of symptoms, Stephen entered the NHS system with each symptom split between various consultants. After being given a disputed FND diagnosis by neurology, Stephen became seriously ill quickly. Sadly he lost his sight and the use of his legs in 2018, and despite having a private positive blood test from Germany, Stephen received no treatment from the NHS. With the help of LDUK and Professor Lambert, help was received and since 2018 his wife Angela has tirelessly pioneered to raise awareness, making it her mission to help Stephen and others with Lyme disease. Sadly, due to Stephen’s continued poor health and status seizures, Angela still has to battle the NHS on a regular basis due to their lack of knowledge and current non-existent treatment protocols for patients with chronic Lyme disease.