From the Reading Chronicle, September 13

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 MySpace