24 December 2014

Christmas Greetings from ME to You!

Thank you for your on-going support throughout 2014!

This campaign is only a success because of you as you're the ones really "Doing It for ME!"

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and of course, as always, thinking of all those isolated at this time of year. Many of our group have severe ME so our thoughts are truly with you.

Looking forward to more fun fundraising with you all in 2015! 


We also wish all at Invest in ME charity a well-deserved Happy Christmas and all the best for the year ahead - our campaign exists in support of their amazing work!

Extracts from Invest in ME Christmas 2014 newsletter ....

Invest in ME and our supporters have a firm belief that the only sensible strategy for finding useful treatments, prevention and ultimately a cure for ME is via a focus on biomedical research into the illness. Our efforts since 2007 have concentrated on international collaboration in biomedical research - something that has already been proven to be productive.

In 2013 we had announced the beginning of our plans to initiate a clinical trial of rituximab following the BRMEC3 Colloquium and our magnificent supporters have achieved the impossible in 2014 and raised the initial target of £350,000. A preliminary B-cell study was made part of this project and that was started during this last year.

Our foundation project at UEA/IFR continued and we have complemented this with funding of medical students who are participating in our projects by intercalating during their fourth year of study.

Our intention was announced in 2014 to fund more PhD studentships and our targets have been set.
The charity set up an Advisory Board of researchers to help with strategy and focus research efforts. This has met twice in 2014. With the planned four PhDs and three medical students working on biomedical research into ME a good foundation for our future aims has been built.

With all the hardships that ME causes to patients and families they still believe there is a better way and 2014 was a year when patient power really came to the fore – led by IIME supporters. Despite having been set challenging targets to initiate a strategy of biomedical research, our supporters have given hope to all patients.

Thank you all.

Our thanks to the LDIFME team for the enormous work they have performed and the service to the ME community which they have achieved through their tireless efforts to raise awareness and funds via positive and innovative campaigns.

Despite enormous difficulties we have, together, made things happen.

As we approach Christmas we can look to the next year and express hope. We have our tenth International ME conference and our fifth Biomedical Research into ME Colloquium - which will now span two days.

We would like to wish all of our wonderful supporters a very happy Christmas and a New Year full of hope - and a huge thank you for all that you have to done to help us all to move forward.
You continue to make a difference.

Merry Christmas!

From all at Invest in ME


*end of extracts* - past IIME newsletters here -http://www.investinme.org/IIME%20newsletter.htm

The IIME gut microbiota research is being conducted at the world-class Institute of Food Research (IFR) and is featured in Day 7 of the brilliant Advent Calendar IFR have produced for 2014. Well worth a browse through these bite-size snippets of fun and facts - http://blogs.ifr.ac.uk/advent/category/advent/


Best Wishes to Everyone for Christmas and New Year!
Thank you for your support!

Let's do it for ME 
in support of 
Invest in ME 

4 December 2014

Festive Treasures Fundraising for M.E Research

Alison Orr

Alison has a beautiful selection of festive candles and jewellery for sale over on our Make ME Crafts website.

Her Christmas candles are proving popular, find out what's currently for sale from the range here http://www.makemecrafts.com/seller_page.php?sellerid=256





 
100 Birdies for ME

This Scandi-inspired hanging owl is just one of many designs by 100 Birdies for ME, which continues to raise funds for Invest in ME long after hitting its initial target of 100 sales.  The range now includes Spoonie jewellery too.

Visit the Etsy shop here https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/100Birdies4ME



 
Christmas Cards

This year's successful entries to our competition, as well as some from previous years - including Julie-Ann's Candle House design, voted Best Charity Christmas Card of 2013 by The Independent IndieBest.

Our various designs are available in both single and multi-design packs and at a competitive price. You can also see the back of the cards which raise awareness of the charity - all on IiME's dedicated webpage here http://www.investinme.org/Christmas%202014.htm



 
Decadent Dragonfly

This year Jenny's Treasures for ME transformed into Decadent Dragonfly.

Jenny sells some stunning jewellery, hair accessories and custom pieces all through her Facebook page.

Due to a necessary name change her Facebook page is new, so if you love her stuff (like we do), please also 'like it' and share if you can https://www.facebook.com/DecadentDragonfly



 
Foggy Creations

These festive napkin rings with charms are by Foggy Creations and can be found on our Make ME Crafts website alongside other Christmas decorations, and some equally decorative jewellery and bookmarks - all a perfect size to fit in someone's stocking.

See what's currently available from Foggy Creations on our website here http://www.makemecrafts.com/seller_page.php?sellerid=198





 
From ME to You, With Love

The book From ME to You, With Love was put together following the Letters for Louise project we first shared on our blog in October last year - blogpost.

Louise's call for letters from people with ME caught many people's imagination.  She received so many raw and honest letters of love, anger, and pain to create an inspiring book.  Reduced by 25% in the run up to Christmas with all profits going to Invest in ME.  Find out more and purchase the book via the website http://www.frommetoyouwithlove.co.uk/




 
Let's Do It for ME store

Our Spreadshirt store has gone festive again with the return of Santa and our ever so cuddly Christmas Moose.  Visit our standard store http://ldifme.spreadshirt.co.uk/  Or get creative with our designer store http://designerme.spreadshirt.co.uk/





 
One of a kind crafts

As well as these unique Christmas decorations, jewellery, gift boxes, bag charms and felt purses are all available from this charitable seller on the One of a kind crafts Facebook page, which has picked up some lovely reviews from happy customers.
https://www.facebook.com/oneofakindgiftsandcards

One of a kind crafts also plans to attend the South Moulton Festive Fayre this Friday, do stop by if you're in the area http://www.visitsouthmolton.co.uk/portfolioentry/4803/




Runnin On Empty

A limited edition 'Jingle for ME' design is no longer available, but you can see the other designs in the Runnin On Empty shop run by Stacy aka Mama chill - http://runninonempty.dizzyjam.com





 
Seren-e-dipity

Introducing Seren-e-dipity - a range of jewellery, charms and bookmarks that includes various festive treats like these stylish seasonal Snowpeople.

Take a look to be among the first to follow and share this new page with your friends and family https://www.facebook.com/pages/Seren-e-dipity/407154525994073

Serendipity: The art of making happy discoveries.




Sue's Scarves for ME

We've come to look forward to Sue's scarves each winter and this year is no exception.  To make those pennies stretch Sue is having a pre-Christmas sale, see the sale album on her Facebook page here - Sale 2014 Album

Of course as well as keeping you warm this winter, like all items highlighted in this blog, a scarf from Sue raises funds for vital biomedical research into ME.





Discover more items for sale in support of UK charity Invest in ME (Research) over on our website here http://ldifme.org/shop/


Selling something festive with proceeds to Invest in ME?  If you'd like to be included in an updated version of this post contact us by email here.  (post updated 4th Dec.)

Also see various ways to raise funds for Invest in ME when shopping online - http://ldifme.org/raise-funds-for-free/

Happy Seasonal Shopping for Invest in ME!

Let's do it for ME!
in support of
Invest in ME (Research) Charity