If paradise could be twice as nice, you’ll be wishing you could be in Gloucestershire over the next few days.
For it’s home to one of the country’s biggest ME/CFS groups who will be extending the hand of friendship to members at two big events both this Sunday (international ME Awareness Day, 12th May) and the following Sunday.
The ME/CFS Friendship Group in Gloucestershire, which has over 600 members, will be holding a virtual quiz this Sunday – with £2 suggested as a donation for people taking part. Proceeds will then be donated to the ME Association.
And on the following Sunday (19th May) the group will be holding an afternoon tea in Quedgeley Community Centre from 2.15pm onwards.
“This also happens to be my birthday and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my day than with all my amazing friends from the Friendship Group!”, says group leader Chantelle Parry.
“The tea party will be a celebration of our group and all of the friends and family who support us. We currently have 65 people who have pre-booked their afternoon tea and welcome people on the day to join us for drinks too. We are asking everyone to wear bright colours!
“From scones to cakes to sandwiches, we have everything covered!
Pictured from the left: Chantelle Parry, the badges and inside Quedgeley Community Centre
Chantelle added: “I'm grateful to have many bakers in the group who have helped and also Sara Tappin who is my right-hand lady when it comes to organising events like this!”
The group regularly do something special at this time of year. One year, they arranged for Gloucester Cathedral to be lit up blue to mark ME Awareness Day. Another year, they put on a massive cake sale at Quedgeley, combined with a big prize draw for the ME Association.
“I’ve heard great things about the Gloucestershire Friendship Group”, said the MEA’s recently appointed fundraising and development manager, Jim Morrison. “It’s where the magic always seems to happen!”
If you would like to be a part of the group, please ask to join them on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/139595413368299/
Tony Britton
Senior Fundraising Consultant, The ME Association
tony.britton@meassociation.org.uk Mob: 07393 805566
