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thereforme.bsky.social
ThereForME
@thereforme.bsky.social
1.6K followers 65 following 320 posts
Calling for an NHS that's there for Long Covid & Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) | www.thereforme.uk
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Our #ThereForME blog is back!

Today, Dr Katharine Cheston writes about her collaboration with @actionforme.bsky.social on the 2025 Big Survey.

Katharine explains why large-scale charity surveys are so important for ME research and treatment, and how you can get involved.

Link in next post 👇
"Working with Action for ME on the Big Survey, I've been struck by the important role that large-scale, charity-led surveys like this can play in building a clearer picture of what life with ME is really like - and in providing the evidence that can drive change." Dr Katharine Cheston. New #ThereForME Substack post.
January 13, 2026 at 9:31 AM
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December 24th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Rosie Barrett!

Rosie is a carer to her sister Alice and was featured this year by BBC Spotlight championing our #FundThePlan campaign. Nominated by Lauren. ✨
Photo of a smiling lady wearing a Santa hat in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘24’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Rosie Barrett!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “You are a carer for your sister, Alice, & you still find time to be an incredible advocate for her & the ME community. You have spoken on the news, you have started petitions & you have raised awareness of ME charities. Thank you ❤️” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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Bonus points if you noticed our post for Dec 21 was missing! Here it is now:

Thank you for being #ThereForME, Dr @binitakane.bsky.social ! Binita is a private consultant w a special interest in ME & Long Covid, a #ThereForME Ambassador + fierce advocate for pwME.
Nom'ed by @alexisme.bsky.social. ✨
Photo of a smiling woman in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘21’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Dr Binita Kane!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Your advocacy and care have made the world of difference to my experience of having ME, while your compassion and skill continue to improve the lives of so many people with ME and Long Covid. Thank you for all that you do for the community. Alexis.”
December 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM
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December 23rd. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Jenny Wilson!

Jenny is a long-standing advocate for people with ME and plays a pivotal role organising Dr Weir’s ME clinic. Nominated by Phoebe. ✨
Photo of a smiling lady in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘23’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Jenny Wilson!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “No one will believe the RESISTANCE; the quiet front, the charming little lady who goes nowhere, writes and speaks beautifully, belying a force of nature ten thousand hearts strong. Linking, doctoring, remembering, writing, saving hearts with ME.” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 23, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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December 22nd. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Sir Ed Davey & the Lib Dems @libdems.org.uk!

This year the LibDems have been key players championing the need for improved support for people with ME in parliament. Nominated by Jonah Weisz @weiszguy.bsky.social ✨
Photo of a smiling man wearing a pink shirt in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘22’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Sir Ed Davey & the Lib Dems!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Thank you Ed Davey & the Lib Dems for being #ThereForME! We were overwhelmed, but not surprised, to see how quickly all 72 MPs signed Tessa Munt's letter on the Delivery Plan. Thank you, Sir Ed, for encouraging a supportive culture that has enabled the party to stand so firmly with people with ME.” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 22, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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December 20th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Dr Jo Greer!

Jo is the founder of the Red Leaf Creative Collaborative, a group of creatives that shares artistic expressions of hope for #PwME. Nominated by Shirley (and everyone at The Red Leaf Creative Collaborative). ✨
The Red Tree and ME logo in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘20’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Dr Jo Greer!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Thank you Jo for all your work through The Red Tree and M.E , for the awareness and inspiration it provides, creating hope, solidarity, strength and a driving force for action “one red leaf at a time” 🍂 ” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 20, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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December 19th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Joan McParland MBE!

Joan is the founder and coordinator of Hope 4 ME & Fibro Northern Ireland. Nominated by Rebecca. ✨
Photo of a smiling lady in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘19’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Joan McParland!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Joan, You are an inspiration to me & many ME sufferers across NI & beyond. You've founded an amazing charity in Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI & campaigned tirelessly for decades to raise awareness despite living with ME yourself. Lots of love, Rebecca” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 19, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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December 18th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Alice @smileformeuk.bsky.social!

Alice is the founder of Smile for ME, a charity that sends personalised presents (“Smiles”) to people with ME and their carers. Nominated by Team SalShirl ✨
Photo of a smiley lady in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘18’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Alice@SmileForME!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Alice, Thank you for bringing so many smiles to people with M.E. 😊 Your generosity, compassion and kindness shines through your beautifully chosen gifts. Thank you for everything you bring to the M.E community through Smile for ME. X💙🩵x” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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December 17th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social!

George is a well-known journalist who has focused on uncovering the reality of the “greatest medical scandal of the 21st Century”. Nominated by Carole B @cabruce.bsky.social. ✨
Photo of a man in a scarf in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘17’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, George Monbiot!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Dear George, Your writing, your videos and your interest in the plight of ME sufferers is unsurpassed. You have all the facts coupled with understanding and humanity that makes us all feel really seen and safer with your backing. Thank you. ” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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December 16th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Fran Haddock!

Fran lives with severe ME and is a tireless advocate for the community. Nominated by Wren. ✨
Photo of a lady dressed in purple in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘16’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Fran Haddock!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Dear Fran, Through absolutely everything, I’ve been amazed at your constant effort to show up for your friends and your community. You care more than anybody I’ve ever met, and you motivate me to be so much braver, kinder and louder. Love you xx” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 16, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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December 15th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Nicky Proctor!

Nicky is an advocate for people with ME, who volunteers with various ME organisations - including #ThereForMe. Nominated by Odette & the York ME Community slow-lane.bsky.social. ✨
Photo of a smiling long-haired lady in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘15’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Nicky Proctor!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Nicky, you're a supreme advocate for pwME - continuously striving to educate, inform & instigate change across every sector & level, be it friend/peer groups to healthcare providers & their management plus local MPs. You are amazing in every way. ” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 15, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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December 14th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Marlene!

Marlene was nominated by her son Gav, who is affected by ME. ✨
Photo of a smiley lady in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘14’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Marlene!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Mum - thank you for supporting me unconditionally, for looking after my pets and for cleaning my house when I couldn’t. Your unwavering support when I was finding it hard to shine makes you being my Mum sublime. X ” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 14, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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December 13th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Jan Russell @wamesmecfs.bsky.social!

Jan is Chair of the Welsh Association of ME and CFS Support (WAMES). Nominated by @deemontague.bsky.social ✨
Photo of a smiling lady wearing glasses in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘13’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Jan Russell!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Diolch o galon for all you and WAMES do for people living with ME across Wales! We'd be lost without you, and we wouldn't have ME in the NHS Wales Women's Health Plan without the work of your tiny but mighty charity. Thank you all for everything. ” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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December 12th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Rowan Wyatt!

Rowan was nominated by his partner Keren. ✨
Photo of a hairy man wearing a Santa hat in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘11’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, DecodeME team!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Dear Rowan, you have loved and taken care of me through all the downs and downs (there haven't been many ups) of this illness. More than that, seen past it for who I really am. You mean the absolute world to me and I love you. Thank you, Keren xx ” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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December 11th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, @decodemestudy.bsky.social !

Earlier this year the team, based at the University of Edinburgh, released groundbreaking research findings, revealing distinct genetic signals in people with ME. Nominated by Michael. ✨
The DecodME logo (with a Santa hat) in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘11’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, DecodeME team!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Dear Chris Ponting & the DecodeME team, Your DecodeME findings are a huge scientific and emotional milestone for people with ME. Thank you for driving research and hope — we’re grateful you’re #ThereForME.” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 11, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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December 10th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Dr Sally Witcher @inclusivenew.bsky.social!

Sally is the founder of Inclusive New Normal, a social enterprise aiming to drive forward learning from the pandemic, towards a safe, inclusive new normal. Nominated by Michiel. ✨
Photo of a lady with a lovely smile in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘10’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Dr Sally Witcher!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Dear Sally, Thank you for representing pandemic disabled people at Inclusive New Normal, inc. those with Long Covid and ME. Your invaluable experience and connections have made sure our voices are heard by the Scottish government & ADP review! 🩵” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 10, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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December 9th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Frank Docherty!

Frank was nominated by his wife Susan for his invaluable support since she developed ME. ✨
Photo of a smiling man wearing an apron that says “Fun Time Frankie: The man, the myth, the legend” in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘9’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Frank Docherty!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Francis, Thank you for all you do for me, especially since M E changed our lives. Thank you for your endless patience, for every cancelled plan, every meal, every chore. You show what "in sickness and in health" truly means. I'm so lucky to have you” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 9, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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December 8th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, @sarahgibsonmp.bsky.social!

Sarah is the LibDem MP for Chippenham and was nominated by her constituent, Tess. ✨
Photo of a smiling lady wearing a yellow jumper in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘8’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Sarah Gibson MP!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Sarah, Thank you for always listening when I email you about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. I know you are trying your very best to help and to bring about positive change for your constituents with ME.” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 8, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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December 7th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Karin Hilton!

Karin was nominated by her friend Lisa, who is affected by ME. ✨
Photo of a lady with dappled rainbow light in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘7’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Karin Hilton!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Karin, you are my greatest cheerleader, researcher, shoulder, listener, occasional personal chef and all-round best friend. Without you I wouldn’t be where I am today, fought to be heard and gone after the things that make me happy. Thank you xx.” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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December 6th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Pauline White!

Nominated by the Barretts ✨
Photo of a smiling lady in a nurse’s uniform wearing reindeer antlers in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘6’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Pauline White!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Pauline, You totally support us in caring for Alice. You listen to us and take action. You go above and beyond educating other health professionals and advocating for people with ME. Thank you, The Barretts.” Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 6, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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December 5th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Tony White!

Nominated by Tracey @traceydooley.bsky.social. ✨
Photo of a smiling man with a white goatee and glasses in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘5’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Tony White!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Tony, I honestly can't express just how grateful I am to have you by my side, and for everything you do and have done for me. Life with M.E. is more than difficult, and I know I can be, too — so thank you for your ongoing patience, care and love. Xx”’. Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 5, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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December 4th. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Anna Redshaw!

Nominated by Charlotte. ✨
Photo of a smiling lady sitting next to a Christmas tree with her Christmas dinner in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘4’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Anna!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Anna has been a wonderful online friend to many people with ME. She has also spent so much precious energy on growing her tea party for ME and has raised thousands for ME charities over the past decade. She is an inspiration. We love Ray Butterlumps!”’. Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 4, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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December 3rd. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Alexis Gilbert!

Nominated by Becky Wlliams ✨
Photo of a smiling man with glasses in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘3’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Alexis!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says “Alexis, not only are you a fantastic friend and support, but your dedication to advocate for this community is amazing. Please never underestimate what you do for so many people, we are forever grateful. Lots of love, Becky 💙”’. Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 3, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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December 2nd. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Melanie Di Luca @actionforme.bsky.social!

Nominated by @hopefullizzy.bsky.social ✨
Photo of a smiling woman wearing a top with a glittery Christmas tree on it in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘2’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Melanie De Luca!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says "Mel, You are such an incredible support to me, and so many others with M.E too. It’s such a relief to know you understand and will help however you can, and I appreciate it so much. It’s made this time a lot less scary and lonely. Thank you, Lizzy x" Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 2, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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December 1st. Thank you for being #ThereForME, Sue!

Nominated by her mum, Sarah. ✨
Photo of a smiling woman with glasses in a polaroid-style frame on a starry background, marked with a bright star labelled ‘1’. Text says: ‘Thank you for being #ThereForME, Sue!’ and ‘Advent Calendar 2025’. Graphic of a letter on a starry blue background. The letter says "Sooz, you listen to me and send caring messages of support, which means so much. It keeps me going. You're like a breath of fresh air. This year you also fundraised a lot of money for M.E Research. I appreciate you so much. Lots and lots of love, Mum" . Hashtag #ThereForME at the bottom.
December 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM