July 2024
Hello and welcome to July’s newsletter. Hope you have had the best month possible.
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 cuddly toys, blankets, socks, art books, puzzle books, colouring books and pens, Harvester gift voucher, succulent kit and plant pot, pamper gift set, face masks, hand and foot cream, lip balm, pocket heart, crochet progress marker, bracelet making set, sun catcher and chocolates.
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for my daughter’s gifts. It was very generous of you and brought happy tears to both of us. I wanted to add that my daughter was thoroughly delighted with everything but especially the Jellycat rabbit”
More Carers Week responses
“I wanted to say a huge thank you for the Bear hug gifts my husband and daughter revived as part of carers week. They were a wonderful way of highlighting the importance of the carers role and a wonderful treat. Of course the most exciting thing was the packaging!”
“Carers’ week gift from the amazing Smile For ME and Bear Hugs for my girl. What you do is amazing guys”
Share a story
Share a story is a segment in our monthly newsletters where we share a story from someone affected by ME to help raise awareness and remind others they are not alone. If you would like to be featured in an upcoming month please email us: smileformecharity@gmail.com.
This month’s share a story is by Hertfordshire ME/CFS Support Group. Thank you Hertfordshire residents for sharing your story in a video called Living With ME.
(Severe ME sufferers be warned there is a loud bell noise at the beginning)
Fundraising
BED for Severe ME
Sally, with her social enterprises ME Foggy Dog and Stripy Lightbulb CIC, has created the first annual BED for Severe ME campaign on the 8th August, Severe ME Day. There are multiple components to her campaign and we’d love you to join in and show your support with any that are suitable for you. Money raised is being donated 50/50 between Smile For ME and Cure ME.
Find out more: www.mefoggydog.org/bed-for-severe-me
Wear your pj’s to work
On the 8th August get your employees to wear pyjamas to work and donate £2 a person to raise awareness and research for Severe ME. Sally has created resources which can be found here. 
Buy a badge
BED for Severe ME badges are available to buy for £5.25 through ME Foggy Dog website: www.mefoggydog.org/product/bed-for-severe-me-badge/ 
Donate
Donate via the link on ME Foggy Dog website: www.mefoggydog.org/bed-for-severe-me or scan the QR code. 
All monies received into the PayPal fundraising pot will be split 50/50 between Smile For ME and Cure ME.
Thank you Sally for kindly choosing us to be one of the charities you support. Thank you to everyone who is planning to donate. The funds will enable us to continue sending Smiles to people affected by ME, including our annual special event of Merryn’s Smile Day on 13th May where we send specifically to Severe and Very Severe ME sufferers in memory of Merryn Crofts.
NHS Protocol for Severe ME campaign
ME Foggy Dog has been campaigning for an NHS Protocol for Severe ME since February 2024, as there are currently no protocols/policies for people with Severe ME within the NHS. Sally is asking you to please contact your ICB (Integrated Care Board), health board, or Trust and ask them to work with ME Foggy Dog and help make change happen. More information including contact details and letter template are available here.
‘In Loving Memory’ board
Sally has created a board to remember the lives of those who have passed away with Severe ME through the eyes, memories and recollections of their loved ones. If you know someone who has passed away with Severe ME please add a comment to the ‘In Loving Memory’ board. The board will be posted online to show the human impact of Severe ME on August 8th.
BED ‘Party’ on social media
Join in online by sharing a photo of your favourite pyjamas with the hashtag #BedForSevereME to help raise awareness on Severe ME Day, 8th August. ME sufferers, carers and supporters are all welcome to join in to show solidarity.
Search through the hashtag #BedForSevereME to find others joining in to feel a sense of community. You could also use it as an opportunity to raise awareness of Severe ME by explaining why your favourite pyjamas are your favourite.
Sally is giving away a £50 CyberJammies gift voucher as a prize. Take part on the 8th and use #PjsWinME to be in with a chance of winning.
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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. Your kindness and generosity means a lot because it enables us to continue sending Smiles to those affected by ME. We are so grateful thank you.