The experiences of Cumbrian farmer, Andrew Jackson (58), who has lived with ME/CFS for more than 13 years, have been captured and will be displayed in an evocative photography exhibition at the iconic Oxo Tower Wharf on London’s South Bank (September 24– 28).
Farming Life & The ME Association
Extracts
‘Lives We Cannot Live’, a new photographic exhibition by documentary film-maker and photographer Jeremy Jeffs, and presented by The ME Association, reflects the stark realities of daily life for people living with ME/CFS through a collection of more than 50 striking images.
Andrew, who is passionate about farming, is continuing the family legacy as the 4th generation at Littlebeck Farm, a beef and sheep farm set in 180 acres near Penrith. However, following an agricultural accident, from which Andrew never fully recovered, and several hospital admissions and visits, he was diagnosed with ME/CFS 13 years ago.
Whilst Andrew continues to work on the farm, his symptoms, including chronic pain and debilitating fatigue, are a significant barrier to daily activities and social interaction. He cannot manage many of the jobs he once enjoyed such as clipping sheep, as he doesn’t have the strength and is unable to physically hold the livestock.
Instead, Andrew puts the limited energy he has into running the farm and must pace himself with activities by taking regular breaks, despite pacing he can sometimes spend hours or days recovering from the impact that farm life takes on his body both physically and mentally.
Andrew is supported by his wife Yvette, and son, Kieran, who both pitch in to ensure the farm runs like clockwork, and to ensure that Andrew does not overexert himself, which can cause post exertional malaise (a delayed and significant exacerbation of ME/CFS symptoms that follows physical activity and cognitive (mental) activity.
Yvette and I are keen to raise awareness of the condition as there is a lack of understanding of what it’s like to live with ME/CFS.Being part of ‘Lives We Cannot Live’ photography exhibition helps push ME/CFS into the public eye, and raise the voice of people in the ME/CFS community; it’s something we feel very passionate about.
Andrew Jackson
The idea for the exhibition was sparked by my own experiences of ME/CFS, and my aim was to capture a sense of what this isolating illness is like for people in the ME/CFS community. ‘Lives We Cannot Live’ is a unique, thought-provoking series of documentary photographs, and Andrew’s image along with others honestly communicates their personal experiences.
Jeremy Jeffs, documentary film-maker and photographer who brought the photo exhibition to fruition, supported by the ME Association
The ME Association is incredibly proud to present ‘Lives We Cannot Live’ which brings ME/CFS into the spotlight. The Oxo Gallery is a stunning space to visually convey peoples’ emotive stories, using powerful images to present a unique perspective that will leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Martine Ainsworth-Wells, trustee and campaigns director at The ME Association
We hope it drives greater awareness and understanding of ME/CFS in society for the thousands of people who must navigate the challenges of this disease every day and often feel invisible and forgotten by society.
Event Information
Free to attend
Date: 24 September 2025 – 28 September 2025,
Wednesday to Sunday
Time: 11am-6pm
Venue: Oxo Gallery, Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House St, London SE1 9PH
Directions
Transport links
By Tube: Waterloo, Southwark, Blackfriars
By Bus: 1,4,26,59,68,76,168,171,172,176,188, 243, 341, 501, 521, X68 to Waterloo Bridge
45, 63, 100 to Blackfriars Bridge 381 to Stamford Street
By Train: Waterloo, Waterloo East, Blackfriars and Charing Cross
By Car: Car parks at Doon Street and Cornwall Road
Accessibility Info
The gallery is wheelchair accessible, more information can be found here.
If you need more help or information please contact Galleries: galleries@coinstreet.org who will be able to help.
Further Media Coverage
- The Westmorland Gazette: Cumbrian farmer's struggle with ME featured in exhibition | Sept 9, 2025
- BBC News: Farmer's chronic fatigue captured in photos | Sept 11, 2025
- Cumbrian Crack: Cumbrian farmer’s battle with ME captured for London photography exhibition | Sept 14, 2025
- The Northern Farmer: Penrith farmer's battle with ME/CFS featured in exhibition | Sept 14, 2025
- Farmers Guide: Cumbrian farmer’s life with ME/CFS featured in London exhibition | Sept 13, 2025
- The Scottish Farmer: Penrith farmer's battle with ME/CFS featured in exhibition | Sept 15, 2025
- Cumbrian Times: Cumbrian Farmer Features In Unique Photography Exhibition Highlighting ME/CFS | Sept 13, 2025