February 2026

Hello and welcome to February’s newsletter. Hope you have had the best month possible.

Nominate

Nominations for Merryn’s Smile Day 2026 are now open. You can nominate a Severe or Very Severe ME sufferer to receive a Smile on the 13th May 2026 by completing our nomination form. Repeat nominations are considered as we know it’s tough being in the same position as time passes so we’d love to keep reminding those severely affected that they are thought of and not forgotten.

Merryn’s Smile Day is an annual event when we send Smiles to those affected by Severe ME in Merryn’s memory on her Birthday, 13th May.

Merryn Crofts sadly passed away from Very Severe ME in 2017 just days after her 21st birthday. I (Alice) was lucky enough to be her friend and, thanks to her family’s blessing, Merryn’s Smile Day was created in 2019 to celebrate her birthday.

Smile For ME want to remember Merryn by sending a Smile in her name to those suffering with Severe ME. Merryn loved sending little gifts and also loved it when happy post arrived for her so we are glad to be able to do this in her memory.

To read more about Merryn and Merryn’s Smile Day check out our website page: smileforme.org.uk/merrynsmileday

Smiles

10 Smiles were sent to both ME sufferers and carers of all ages this month. All chosen and personalised to fit each person’s likes and interests. Some of the items sent this month included blankets, cushions, hot water bottle, wrist warmers, socks, books, water bottle, mugs, coasters, coffee, tea, chocolates, biscuits, apron, baking set, craft set, bird feeders, keyring and a vintage camera.

Special touch

In our Smiles we include a token item donated by someone affected by ME as a special touch from our community. Included in the Smiles sent this month was a handmade gonk by Jo. Thank you Jo for your kind support.

Share a story

We are looking for ME sufferers and carers to share their personal experience of ME. Smile For ME raises awareness of ME through sharing personal accounts from people affected by ME so you can learn first hand how ME impacts the lives of those affected. We also hope it helps give a bit of comfort to people in the same situation to know they aren’t alone. Please reach out if you are interested: contact@smileforme.org.uk

Flyers & Business cards

We are excited to share our new Smile For ME flyers and business cards. A big thank you to Amy who created them and also to all the people affected by ME who applied to design them. Thank you to the Smiles’ recipients who gave their permission for their photo to be included on our flyers. We have been using up our old stock but are now looking forward to including our new flyers in our March Smiles onwards.

Fundraising

17th May, a date for your diary. Blue Sunday, The Tea Party For ME annual fundraiser founded by Anna.

Thank you to those who have kindly supported Smile For ME previously, you have helped make a difference to us. Nearer the date we will be sharing more information about how to donate to us during Blue Sunday 2026 if you wish to do so.

For more information:

www.the-slow-lane.com/blue-sunday

www.smileforme.org.uk/bluesunday

Smile of the month

What’s made you smile this month? Each month we ask this question on social media and we love hearing the responses. We hope by sharing some of your smiles it can help others to find a smile too.

Thank you’s

Thank you to everyone who has supported us this month. We are so grateful for the kindness and generosity which enables us to continue sending Smiles to those affected by ME. It means such a lot thank you.

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter.

Smile For ME

xx