2025 Advent Calendar: Week #2
We're opening a week's worth of doors in our #ThereForME Advent Calendar!
We’re very happy to be sharing our first full week of stars from our 2025 Advent Calendar!
We’ve been opening the doors of our advent calendar every morning on our social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X and Bluesky). However, for those who prefer to take their advent calendar at a slower pace, we’ve got a weekly roundup to share with you today. All of our advent calendar stars have been nominated by the community for being #ThereForME in different ways throughout 2025.
December 3
Behind door number three is Alexis Gilbert, a prolific advocate for people with ME and Long Covid. Earlier this year, his story was featured by BBC Yorkshire.
Alexis was nominated by Becky Williams, who shared this message:
“Alexis, not only are you a fantastic friend and support, but your dedication to advocate for this community is amazing. Please never underestimate what you do for so many people, we are forever grateful. Lots of love, Becky 💙 ”
December 4
Behind door number four is Anna Redshaw, the founder of the ‘Blue Sunday’ Tea Party For ME.
Blue Sunday is an annual event organised in aid of various ME charities. Anna was nominated by Charlotte for her tireless work for the community:
“Anna has been a wonderful online friend to many people with ME. She has also spent so much precious energy on growing her tea party for ME and has raised thousands for ME charities over the past decade. She is an inspiration. We love Ray Butterlumps!”
December 5
Behind our fifth door is Tony White, who was nominated by his partner Tracey D for his invaluable support over the years. Tracey shared this message with her nomination:
“Tony, I honestly can’t express just how grateful I am to have you by my side, and for everything you do and have done for me. Life with M.E. is more than difficult, and I know I can be, too — so thank you for your ongoing patience, care and love. Xx”
December 6
Behind door number six is Pauline White, our second healthcare worker of the advent calendar! We often talk about the need to improve NHS services for people with ME. So, it’s brilliant to take a moment to celebrate the NHS staff out there who are already getting it right.
Pauline is the CHC matron for East Devon. She was nominated by Debbie and the Barrett family for all of her work supporting Alice, who lives with very severe ME:
“Pauline
You totally support us in caring for Alice. You listen to us and take action. You go above and beyond educating other health professionals and advocating for people with ME.
Thank you
The Barretts”
December 7
Behind door number seven is Karin Hilton, nominated by her friend Lisa who is affected by ME. Lisa left this message with her nomination:
“Karin, you are my greatest cheerleader, researcher, shoulder, listener, occasional personal chef and all-round best friend. Without you I wouldn’t be where I am today, fought to be heard and gone after the things that make me happy. Thank you xx”
December 8
Behind our eighth door is our first #ThereForMP of the advent calendar, Sarah Gibson!
Sarah is the LibDem MP for Chippenham and was nominated by her constituent Tess for listening to her concerns:
“Sarah,
Thank you for always listening when I email you about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.
I know you are trying your very best to help and to bring about positive change for your constituents with ME.”
December 9
Today’s advent calendar star, behind door number nine, is Frank Docherty.
Frank was nominated by his wife Susan for his incredible support since she developed ME:
“Francis, Thank you for all you do for me, especially since ME changed our lives. Thank you for your endless patience, for every cancelled plan, every meal, every chore. You show what “in sickness and in health” truly means. I’m so lucky to have you.”
Thanks for being #ThereForME, Frank!
December 10
You’ll have to wait! We’ll be back next Tuesday with our next round of advent calendar stars.
Or, if you have social media and aren’t following us already, you can find us on Instagram, Twitter/X, Bluesky and Facebook. Keep your eyes peeled at 9am tomorrow for our next advent calendar reveal.
We’ll see you next time.
A truly wonderful idea by #ThereForME to help pay tribute to the unsung heroes quietly supporting, loving and holding the hands of #pwME... (Well, not just the hands, of course!!!)