Frome woman launches clothing appeal in aid of chronic fatigue charity

A Frome woman living with chronic fatigue syndrome has launched an appeal for clothing donations, which she plans to sell online in aid of The ME Association.

Ali Payne lives with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a complex illness characterised by severe fatigue that does not improve with rest and can be worsened by physical or mental activity. There is currently no cure or effective treatment for the debilitating long-term condition.

To give back to The ME Association – a charity which provides information and advocacy to people living with the condition – Ali is calling for clothing donations that she plans to sell via her Instagram account, Little Splash Fashion. She plans to donate 25% of the proceeds to the charity.

“I wanted to come up with a way of earning my own money from home, within my own health parameters,” explained Ali, who once worked locally in childcare but is no longer able to work, as the symptoms of ME/CFS often mean she is bedbound and unable to leave her home.

Before diagnosis, Ali was in good health, enjoying exercise and jogging several times a week.

However, after falling ill at work, attending many GP appointments and hospital admissions, and being bedbound for months, Ali was eventually diagnosed and has lived with ME/CFS for more than 12 years.

“I can no longer work a normal nine-to-five job because my symptoms fluctuate,” said Ali. “On good days I can leave the house using a wheelchair or walking stick; on bad days, I may be bedbound.”

Ali is calling for donations of any unwanted pre-loved or vintage clothing (clean and in good condition), including women’s, children’s and men’s clothes, as well as accessories such as jewellery or bags. She will also pay the postage for any donations.

“I would like to ask for the support of the local community and beyond, and I want there to be a positive purpose to my idea,” said Ali, who lives with her husband Jason and two children, Evelyn and Felix.

Fundraising and development manager at The ME Association, Jim Morrison, said, “It’s wonderful to see our members come up with such ingenious ways to raise money for The ME Association that also bring positive benefits all round. We are extremely grateful to Ali and encourage the local community to rummage through their wardrobes and pass on any unwanted clothing to Little Splash Fashion – your donations will make a significant difference, helping to support people with ME/CFS. We wish Ali all the best in her new venture.”

Little Splash Fashion has more than 1,700 Instagram followers, which Ali is hoping to increase. To contact Ali and donate clothing, visit https://www.instagram.com/little_splash_fashion/

For further support and information on ME/CFS, visit The ME Association at www.meassociation.org.uk