Christmas Campaign Week #2
We're opening doors 4-10
We’re already a third of the way through and our advent calendar is starting to come together! In this second advent calendar update, we’re happy to share the next seven #ThereForME supporters, along with their Christmas messages behind doors 4–10.
We’ve been delighted to see the positive feedback on the campaign across social media. Every share and comment helps raise the profile of this campaign. It’s been brilliant seeing our advent calendar gathering momentum and we really appreciate all of your support.
December 4th
It’s Rory Stewart! Rory is one half of the Rest is Politics podcast, which covered Long Covid earlier this year. His message:
“My Christmas wish for people with Long Covid is that you are able to feel welcome, accepted and cherished over the holiday season.”
You can listen to Rory discussing Long Covid on the pod here.
December 5th
Olympic Rowing Champions Emily Craig and Imogen Grant are #ThereForME! Their message:
“Our Christmas wish for everyone with ME and Long Covid is that you are surrounded by people who love and care for you and who will keep pushing to make sure you have a better future.”
You can read about them winning gold here.
December 6th
It’s Caroline Nokes! MP and Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons. Her message:
“For everyone with ME and Long Covid, I wish you a very Happy Christmas & want you to know that you’re not forgotten. They are hideous conditions, we need more research & much better understanding.”
Earlier this year Caroline spoke in the World ME Day Westminster Hall debate.
December 7th
David Putrino is #ThereForME! David is a leading Long Covid clinician and Director of the Mount Sinai Center for Recovery From Complex Chronic Illnesses. His message:
“Happy Holidays! We won’t stop fighting for pwME! Love David”
We’d love an NHS centre of excellence - just like the Cohen Center for Recovery From Complex Chronic Illnesses (CoRE)
December 8th
It’s Adrian Ramsay! Co-Leader of the Green Party, the first party to develop a Covid and Long Covid policy. His message:
“My Christmas wish for people with ME and Long Covid is that they get the medical and financial support they need.”
You can hear more about The Green Party's Covid and Long Covid policy below.
December 9th
Sunetra Sarker is #ThereForME! This talented actress is best known for Casualty, being a panelist on Loose Women and appearing on Strictly. Her message:
“Hoping that more people with Long Covid and ME feel seen and heard, even by those who don’t know much about it. Love Sunetra”
December 10th
It’s Wendy Chamberlain! Wendy is the Liberal Democrat Chief Whip and a parliamentary advocate for patients. Her message:
“As we look to 2025, know that there are parliamentarians who care, are listening and will continue to advocate for you. Wendy”
Back in 2022 Wendy proposed an adjournment debate on Long Covid. Time for another?
December 11th
Follow our #ThereForME socials to find out at 9am tomorrow. You can find us on Instagram, Twitter/X, Bluesky and Facebook.
Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until next week!
I just want to say thankyou to all these beautiful people for having our backs, you are all stars on my Christmas tree. With the widespread advent of longcovid it is impossible to ignore ME/CFS any longer and although everything about it sucks, it is much better to face reality and do something constructive about it than be clobbered by it every generation. Its time for change.