Blue Sunday ~ A tea party for M.E

Anna's servere M.E struck hard and fast one week she was working the next she couldn't drive,walk and struggled to string a sentence together. 

When all other tests came back clear she was diagnosed with M.E as a last resort. 

Inspired by a virtual party , she decided to set up a tea party for M.E. Creating a platform to fundraise through as she was unable to attend events. 

Along with her family Anna held her first tea party, during M.E. awareness week in May 2013. inviting a handful of family and friends to join for tea and cake while donating the price they would pay in a cafe. 

The world's M.E. community uploaded photos on social media whilst donating. 

This is no easy task and starting months in advance gives Anna the energy to host her own event and the yearly virtual one. 

Since 2013 A tea party for M.E has raised a staggering £19,000 pounds for vital research. 

Medical professionals have had their thoughts on M.E changed after attending an event which gives much hope for the understanding of this dreadful condition. 

If you are interested in learning  more ,holding an event of your own or donating please get in touch with Anna via the links below 

https://instagram.com/tea_party_for_m.e?igshid=110w6swfbbd0j

https://linktr.ee/theslowlane_ME

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/AnnaRedshaw2020?utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_fundraiser_page_donation_received_-_nth_donation&utm_content=bb3996bb-babf-4d73-a3f6-8690f03adfc9&utm_medium=email&utm_source=postoffice&utm_term=1589457820546

Kara Jane~ the singer with a big ambition

Diagnosed with severe M.E at sixteen Kara Jane is a singer with a big ambition. Having lost the ability to walk she attended university in a wheelchair managing to complete a degree.

Symptoms took hold by 2013 she became bedridden. Now at twenty nine Kara relies on constant nursing care, oxygen and a urinary catheter.

Battling numerous infections has meant she has spent more time in hospital than in her own home. 

Despite this she has written many songs, the first titled "This is love" 

“Despite this she has written many songs, the first titled "This is love" released in April 2020. Following this, a BBC appeal was launched to help complete the album, from which she hopes to raise £100,000 for severe M.E research. "This is Love" proved that Kara is an incredible singer and songwriter, I for one can't wait to hear the rest of the album. 

Which is nearly complete and due to be released this August starting off with single ‘Baby Breathe’ being released on the first followed by the full album titled "It's still M.E" being released on the 8th. 

 If you can help with getting the word out about Kara's album please get in touch here: https://karajanesings.com/about/

Covid,Chronic illness and disability

Covid has affected us all,I was curious to what the differences were within the chronic illness community. Many of whom were already isolated. 

Not being able to have my regular oxygen treatment means I have got worse. I  have  started the rehabilitation program again and am trying to exercise enough but over do it so my joints don't start to stiffen up. 

When lockdown started a lot of us thought people might start to understand, some did but for many it was the opposite.

 I saw many ableist posts from people claiming it's impossible to work from home. Thousands of us and our carers do everyday, we have no choice. 

Without a thought for how others cope when this situation is their lives. It amazes me people's lack of effort in trying to wrap their heads around  the lives of chronically Ill people. 

99% have lost friends,jobs,education or family through lack of understanding. I am used to the way I live,what plays on my mind is other people's perceptions. Many others who I spoke to said the same.

They feel left by society as everything begins to ease. confessing it seems unfair to them that pubs,restaurants,cinemas and theme parks can reopen whilst they can't get access to treatments. Being in a hospital is a whole different thing to being socially distanced somewhere,although I feel there must be a way to get them the treatments they need. Another one is careers, 

I read a thought provoking post from Jessica Taylor-Bearman on how her husband is her main career, he became ill leaving her juggling a baby,her husband and herself. A Lot of parents of disabled children have been hit hard. Struggling, balancing everything whilst looking after their child or multiple children. 

As a family we have been very lucky managing to get priority delivery slots, despite some coming at really awkward times,as well as this we have had government food parcels. 

I would feel so much better going out if I knew everyone was covered up, I know many others feel as I do. 

This blog was an interesting one for me because most of my blogs are full of facts, I suppose these are facts in a way. Part of me wanted to expand upon some of the points I made but I think they are pretty self explanatory.