April 2019

30/04/2019 0 By Smile For ME

Smiles

We sent another 12 Smiles to both ME sufferers and carers this month. Our smile presents change all the time as we personalise them with each person’s likes and interests. Some of the items included this month were make up, book vouchers, cushions, blankets, teddies, scarves, picture frames, bath bombs and cooking supplies. They are always lovingly wrapped with a bow and posted to nominees to create a smile.

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Thank you to those who sent us lovely pictures of you receiving your smile presents. We love seeing you smile! Please don’t worry those of you who are camera shy, we completely understand and equally love just your present pictures you share with us. Thank you.

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If you want to see more of how your support helps make a difference you can check out our Smiles page.

Updates

Nominations for Merryn’s Smile Day have now closed. Thank you for all your nominations. Unless we have contacted you the person you nominated will receive a smile present in Merryn’s name on the 13th May. We can’t wait to send these smiles.

With each present being sent we have Merryn and severe ME in mind. The presents are not wrapped as opening presents with severe ME can be difficult in many ways, not having the strength to open it yourself but also being too noise sensitive. As Merryn is the reason this is all happening we have included some of her favourite things and every present is packaged with love which Merryn radiated.

Merryn and her family have been in our thoughts and will be especially on her birthday 13th May. Thank you Clare for giving us your blessing to send smiles in Merryn’s name. We hope that it makes you smile knowing Merryn is continuing to make others smile.

Smile of the month

As always we love hearing from you so we asked on social media what made you smile this month and here are some of the responses. By sharing some of your smiles we hope it can help others to find a smile too.

My personal smile of the month was celebrating my 24th Birthday with my family and friends. What made you smile this month?

Thank you’s

Thank you to every single person who donated to us this month and those who continually do so. We are always so grateful for your support, it means more than words can say. It is thanks to your kindness and generosity we can continue sending smiles. Thank you Pauline, Steve, Andrea, Karen, Jamie, Emma, Annie, Troy, Nicholas and Tracy, you are all amazing.

Coming up

Millions Missing

Millions Missing is a global campaign for ME health equality which takes place on the 12th May across the country. My family and I are supporting Millions Missing Southampton. Thank you to those who have helped supply information for tags which will be attached to shoes and displayed at the Guildhall Square to help raise awareness. If you are local please feel free to pop along, everyone is welcome. Guildhall Square Southampton Sunday 12th May 12-3pm.

#1weekaboutME

1 week about ME is a photo and message challenge created by Vicky to raise awareness and help other sufferers feel less alone. During ME awareness week 6th-12th May you can join in on social media with #1weekaboutME to help raise awareness and connect with others.

Carers Week 2019

Last year we celebrated carers during National Carers Week by sending them a special smile to say thank you and remind them how much they are appreciated. It was so well received we decided to make it an annual event. This year’s National Carers Week is 10th-16th June and again we have teamed up with Bear Hugs to send deserving carers a special hug hamper.

You can nominate your carer through our nomination form to receive a special hug hamper. Nominations close on the 31st May to insure your carer receives it during carers week. We will consider as many nominations as possible.

We are so happy that as well as creating Smiles for deserving carers we are also able to support Bear Hugs. Bear Hugs is a brilliant business founded by Faye, a chronic illness sufferer, to spread a little kindness and a hug. As well as the wonderful work they do they offer and advocate for accessible inclusive jobs. Thank you to team Bear Hugs for helping us send a smile.

Sending lots of love to all carers. You are all amazing people doing an amazing job. You don’t always get enough recognition but we hope you know how much you are appreciated. Thank you for all you do. We can’t wait to send you a smile.

Smile For ME

xx