December 2020
Welcome to the last monthly update of this year. We hope you have enjoyed reading our monthly newsletter and learning a bit more about how your support enables us to do what we do. Hope you have had the best month possible and enjoyed the festive period.
Smiles
12 Smiles were sent to both ME sufferers and carers of all ages this month. The items included in our Smiles change all the time as we personalise them to each person’s likes and interests. Some of the items included this month were blankets, fluffy socks, face masks, a jigsaw, make up, cuddly toys, chocolate, art supplies, and a personalised dog painting ornament.
2020 Smiles
126 Smiles were sent to both ME sufferers and their carers throughout 2020. These included our regular monthly Smiles and Smiles sent during Carers Week which were kindly donated to us by Bear Hugs. COVID-19 did unfortunately affect sending Smiles including Smiles in Merryn’s memory for Merryn’s Smile Day. However we can’t wait to celebrate Merryn again in 2021. Making 126 people smile this year would not have been possible without your support so we cannot thank you enough for your kindness.
Regular Smiles
Carers Week Smiles
2020 Carers Week celebrations was the 3rd annual event of recognising and thanking some wonderful ME carers for the amazing work they do. For this event we partner with Bear Hugs, a fabulous business founded by Faye, a chronic illness sufferer, and as well as the wonderful work they do they offer and advocate for accessible inclusive jobs. This year Bear Hugs generously donated their hugs to us and we can’t thank them enough. ME does not just affect those suffering it also affects the loved ones who become carers so we were glad we were able to show them even a little bit of appreciation. You can read more about our Carers Week here.
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Merryn
Merryn’s Smile Day 2020 was unfortunately cancelled due to COVID-19. Merryn’s Smile Day is special to us as we love being able to remember and celebrate Merryn by sending Smiles to severe ME sufferers in her name. This year instead, Merryn’s Mum Clare kindly wrote a piece for us to share so you could all get to know the wonderful Merryn more. www.smileforme.org.uk/merryn
Smile of the year
2020 has been a difficult year for so many people but as always we try to focus on the positives so we asked on social media what’s made you smile this year? We love hearing the responses and hope by sharing some of your smiles it can help others to find a smile too.
What’s made you smile this year?
Thank you’s
A special thank you to everyone who has donated, fundraised or given us support this year. We would not be able to do what we do without the kindness and generosity you show us. Thank you so very much.
Happy New Year
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year and all the best for 2021. Thank you so much for all your support this year, it means such a lot. We can’t wait to share more Smiles in the New Year.