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The Prime Minister’s visit to Dungog may have been all about the floods.
But for Lurline Trustum it was also the opportunity to champion the cause for those battling with Lyme disease.
During Mr Abbott’s visit to Dungog on Wednesday Ms Trustum presented the Prime Minister with a Mercury article titled Lyme Time calling for the government to consider recognition of the illness.
Ms Trustum was so touched by the stories of Maitland Lyme disease sufferers Tahlia Smith, 21, and Ryan Bradley, 24, that she felt compelled to approach Mr Abbott during his visit to the flood-stricken town.
“These poor bloody kids. It’s horrendous what they are going through,” Ms Trustum said.
“And I felt I just had to step up and say something. Mr Abbott really needs to look into funding for research into the disease so we get to the bottom of what’s going on.
“This was my tiny window of opportunity to do something for Tahlia and Ryan and I just had to take that chance.”
The article prompting Ms Trustum to step up to Mr Abbott focused on a three-point motion imploring the government to listen to the plight of Lyme disease sufferers across the country.
An investigation into the existence of Lyme disease across Australia will be debated in parliament before the end of the year.
“I told the Prime Minister to put the article in his shirt pocket and to read it properly when he had the time,” Ms Trustum.
“I just hope this makes some sort of difference.”
Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison is also calling for the government to reinstate the Clinical Advisory Committee on Lyme disease after it was abolished by the Abbott Government late last year.
n A fund-raiser for Ryan Bradley’s treatment costs will be held on July 25 at Janelle’s Hair and
Beauty, Green Hills, between 12pm and 3pm.
A Lyme Awareness Evening (in support of Tahlia Smith) will be held at Maitland City Bowling Club on Saturday, July 18.
For more information contact David Cliff on 0408 490 367, Debbie Mirisch on 0402 213 413 or email ashlee@bizsynergy.net.au.