The Red Tree and M.E. said:
When The Red Tree and ME began with a single article last year, it was simply an attempt to help try to make ME visible in a way that felt human, creative, and honest. I could never have predicted how quickly this would grow into a creative community initiative, shaped by hundreds of contributions, conversations, and acts of generosity.
The messages of hope from ME and Long COVID scientists and clinicians to The Red Tree and ME this time last year would inspire the formation of the Red Leaf Creative Collaborative. Since then, we have launched the international art project ‘One Red Leaf at a Time’ which will culminate in a virtual exhibition in 2026. Every person who has added a leaf by sharing artwork or their experience has played a part in building something meaningful.
The Red Tree and ME installation at the Christmas Tree Festival at Chester Cathedral this year is helping to raise awareness of ME and the need for better understanding and recognition. The feedback has been really encouraging.
More recently, we have been able to turn awareness into action, by fundraising for the ME/CFS research led by Professor Chris Ponting at The University of Edinburgh. Earlier this month, I was interviewed by Barry Connolly, Communications Manager at The University of Edinburgh, who kindly wrote an article about the project. Huge thanks to all who have donated, bought red leaf greetings cards and red leaf Christmas crafts. Together, we have already raised almost £2,000 for this vital research.
It was an honour for The Red Tree and ME to be nominated for Day 20 of the #ThereForME advent calendar. In a landscape where people with ME are still fighting for recognition, services, and justice, #ThereForME have mobilised the community, challenged outdated narratives, and kept ME firmly on the agenda. Their work has amplified lived experience, exposed the gaps in support, and demanded better- not in ten years’ time but now. So here’s to #ThereForME - their impact this year has been unmistakable, and the movement is stronger because of them.
