Helen Hyland, Fundraising Manager, ME Association.
I never cease to be amazed by the inventiveness, enterprise, or dedication of our amazing fundraising community.
How they keep coming up with fresh and wacky ideas; how they persuade their friends and families to donate as a result; and how they keep going, in spite of everything, constantly makes me marvel. And humbly give thanks.
One such person is Kristian Legg. It all started with a simple email:
“I am looking, as of today to start fundraising for the ME Association. My girlfriend is a sufferer of chronic fatigue syndrome.”
“Today, I turned 33 (terty-tree) and when I woke up, I decided that the best way I could raise money would be to speak in an Irish accent… (hence the terty-tree).”
“I am from Dorset and have nothing like an Irish accent naturally. I am looking to get started today, on my birthday….”
Before I knew it, this wonderful man had set up a JustGiving page, produced a video of himself speaking in his best Irish accent; organised a social night with raffle, and raised over a thousand pounds in the process.
So, what makes someone do something mad like this? I’ll let Kristian tell you… He says: “My partner and I have had a real roller-coaster ride of a battle with her chronic fatigue.”
“There are days when we can do what we please; we can socialise; we can keep a clean house; we can laugh the hours away. But more and more regularly, there are days very different to that indeed.”
| “My lovely Hanna-Lisa’s energy levels have gradually reduced over time due to her condition and she is now unable to work and at her worst is unable to carry out basic day-to-day routines.” |
“I just wanted to raise money in a new and unique way and the Irish accent idea just sort of fell into place. It’s going well so far, despite some rather bemused faces, but there’s lots of time to go and I’m hoping to raise more money yet.”
“So, ‘Top ‘o’ the mornin’ to ya’ and I wish you all the luck of the Irish in your battles.”
He’s still got a long way to go – Kristian’s aim is to keep this up for three months and three weeks – until 22nd May. If you would like to learn more, or support him in his efforts, please visit his JustGiving page.
The ME Association
Real People. Real Disease. Real M.E.
We are a national charity working hard to make the UK a better place for people whose lives have been devastated by an often-misunderstood neurological disease.
If you would like to support our efforts – particularly during ME Awareness Week – and help ensure we can continue to inform, support, advocate and invest in biomedical research, then please donate today.
Just click the image opposite and visit our JustGiving page for one-off donations, to establish a regular payment or to create your own fundraising event.
Or why not join the ME Association as a member and be part of our growing community? For a monthly (or annual) subscription you will also receive our exclusive ME Essential magazine.
ME Association Registered Charity Number 801279