The experiences of Hertfordshire woman, Maureen Kinnear (72), who has lived with ME/CFS for more than 20 years, has been captured and displayed in an evocative photography exhibition at the iconic Oxo Tower Wharf on London’s South Bank (24-28 September 2025).
Maureen who lives with her husband in Hemel Hempstead, and is retired, was diagnosed with ME/CFS in 2004 following a year of debilitating fatigue and other symptoms while working full-time. ‘I was really struggling with chronic fatigue, had no energy, and had muscle pains in my back and neck. I explained my symptoms to my GP who was brilliant. She understood, and recognising the symptoms, diagnosed ME/CFS. I felt like my life had just stopped, I felt lost and alone. I had always been a doer, yet I was in a position where I couldn’t cook dinner, get a drink, take a shower on my own, or do daily tasks that I once undertook with ease. It was a horrible time,’ explains Maureen. Having to give up work was tough for Maureen too.
‘I felt extremely privileged to be part of the photographic exhibition at the Oxo Tower in London. Getting involved in anything that helps people understand ME/CFS and the effects on my life, on my family and friends, is a good thing. I’d like people who are in similar situations to know that there is help and support out there. The ME Association and Action for ME have been brilliant, particularly in the early days,’ said Maureen.
The exhibition showcases the images of more than 20 people; some with ME so severely that they are confined to bed, some are able to work part time, and many others who struggle to simply keep up with a basic existence. The images of Maureen reflect her day-to-day experiences of ME/CFS and were taken in her lounge at Hemel Hempstead, Herts.
Living Magazine, September 16th, 2025
N.B. This kind of mindfulness (discussed in the article) may help some people to deal with the emotional aspect of having ME/CFS and isolation, as a chronic long-term illness (with currently have no effective treatments or a cure) can be understandably difficult to deal with and especially due the effect on mental health. However, we are all individuals and what may help one person may not be suitable for another person with this disease.
Lives We Cannot Live: Exhibition Information
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.