Why Am I Fundraising?

This will be my 5th birthday being housebound with Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and this year, to make it one to remember, I am asking you to donate towards The ME CFS Foundation of South Africa.

There is little understanding of the condition in Africa, with no national health service and no government assistance or disability benefits available. So many families are plunged into poverty once a family member falls ill and is unable to work. That is why the Foundation's work is so vital.

They are the only organisation of their kind in South Africa, aimed at supporting the ME/CFS patient community in SA (and the rest of the African continent, where possible) as well as raising awareness through the media and training health care professionals.

With most of my contacts being in Europe and The United States, and the exchange rate being what it is, we have a great opportunity to make a huge impact in a community that is in desperate need of our help.

I ask that each of us donate just 5 Pounds/Dollars/Euro (or even just 1 if it's all you can manage) - if each of us do that, we could easily double my goal of £600 (which is well over R10.000)!

You can find out all about The ME CFS Foundation's services here .

What Is M.E?

M.E. stands for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis - a devastating neuroimmune disorder which affects all body systems. Unfortunately there is still no widely effective treatment or cure and most doctors are either completely unaware of its existance or horribly misinformed and ill-equipped to help patients.

Charities like the ME CFS Foundation are vital in raising awareness, dispersing accurate and up to date scientific information, supporting patients and advocating for patient rights and health equality.

We cannot get the help we need without the consistent practical help and financial support of our healthy allies. We need you!

Thank you for any support you can offer. Every little bit helps.

For the latest M.E. news updates, visit this page .

If you'd like to do more, click here for advocacy and fundraising ideas and resources.

Giveaway - Something For You

Since it's my birthday, I'm also hosting a my first giveaway! For each £5 ​(or equivalent) you donate, you will be entered into a giveaway for a chance to win an original A5 painting or hand lettered ink drawing by me.

If you share this ​fundraiser​ on social media and tag me, I will add an extra entry for each share. Your shares will only be entered if you have donated ​at least £5.

I will get in touch with the winner​​ at the end of October ​so they can choose their prize.

Note: If you donate anonymously I ​will not be able to include you in the giveaway ​as I won't have access to your name and email address.

DID YOU KNOW that I was born and raised in South Africa? Another reason why this is a cause close to my heart.