On 29 October 2026, ME Foggy Dog delivered the third annual Bed for Severe ME awareness day (Previous dates: 8th August 2024, change of date campaign day on 29th October 2024, 29th October 2025)
BED for Severe M.E was created to raise awareness of Severe and Very Severe ME beyond the existing M.E community, while remaining inclusive of people living with the condition, their families, carers and supporters.
This year’s awareness day took place under challenging circumstances. Due to a significant period of ill health during the summer, preparations for some of the planned activities could not be actioned. In addition, despite ongoing efforts throughout the year and an intensive push during October, we were unable to secure sponsorship from bed/sleep/PJ-related companies, or participation from businesses in ‘Wear your PJs to work’. Despite these challenges, the awareness day still reached thousands of people across social media, generated donations for M.E charities and introduced new audiences to Severe and Very Severe ME.
One of the most encouraging outcomes from this year’s awareness day was increased visibility.
On 29th October, Bed for Severe M.E content was viewed 3,732 times on Facebook, an increase of 123% compared with previous activity. Video watch time increased by 784%, and almost 46% of the audience reached were non-followers, suggesting that campaign messages were reaching beyond our existing audience. Analytics are not available for Twitter or Bluesky. A sponsored LinkedIn post encouraging businesses to support Bed for Severe M.E generated 18,268 impressions, significantly increasing visibility of the campaign amongst professional audiences. However, this did not result in any confirmed business participation.
Our website also saw continued interest throughout October, with:
- 177 visits to the Bed for Severe ME page
- 42 visits to the Wear Your PJs to Work page
- 38 visits to the donation page
- 27 visits to the Bed Party page
While public participation on social media was relatively low, awareness campaigns are not measured solely by the number of people who post publicly. Many people engage by reading, watching, sharing and learning. Every person who gains a better understanding of Severe and Very Severe ME contributes to greater awareness of a condition that remains widely misunderstood.
Bed for Severe M.E has always had two aims: increasing awareness of Severe and Very Severe M.E and encouraging support for M.E-related causes.
Alongside awareness-raising activity, supporters once again chose to donate to organisations making a difference within the M.E community.
This year:
- 9 donations raised £122.75 for Smile for ME, plus £8.75 Gift Aid
- 11 donations raised £165.31 for ME Research UK, plus £12.50 Gift Aid
Together, supporters generated £309.31 for organisations providing support to people affected by M.E and funding research into the condition. Reminder – the JustGiving pages will be live until 12th November.
At a time when many households continue to face financial pressures, every donation represented a conscious decision to support the M.E community and future progress, and we are grateful for every single donation.
ME Foggy Dog would like to thank everyone who supported this year’s awareness day, whether by donating, sharing content, reposting campaign messages or helping raise awareness in other ways.
Special thanks go to Tesco Community Champion Gemma, who once again donated a pair of pyjamas for the #PJsWinME competition. The winner has now been notified and will receive their prize in the coming weeks.
While we are grateful to everyone who took part over the past two years, participation in the competition has remained low. The community has made its preferences clear and, having listened, we have decided to retire #PJsWinME. The competition will not return as part of future Bed for Severe ME awareness days, allowing us to focus our limited time and energy on other aspects of the campaign.
Community support, both visible and behind the scenes, continues to be appreciated.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As we reflect on this year’s awareness day, one thing has become clear; if Bed for Severe ME is to continue, additional support would be welcome. All aspects of the campaign are currently organised and delivered by ME Foggy Dog founder Sally Callow. This includes planning, website updates, creating graphics (and/or asking talented people to create them!) and social media content, contacting potential sponsors and supporters, promoting the campaign and reporting on its impact. Given that ME Foggy Dog is led by a person living with M.E, there are naturally limits to what can be achieved alone, particularly during periods of ill health.
With the next Bed for Severe M.E day a year away, we are putting out an early call for volunteers who may be able to help with some of the preparation.
This could include:
- Creating graphics or awareness images
- Writing or proofreading social media posts
- Helping contact organisations or potential supporters
- General campaign administration
- Sharing ideas
There is no expectation of a large commitment, and we recognise that many people in the M.E community have limited time, energy and capacity. However, if even one or two people were able to help with specific tasks during the year, it could make a genuine difference and reduce some of the pressure on a campaign that is currently run by one person. If you think you may be able to help in any way, please get in touch.
Awareness is not limited to a single day of the year. Through our Bed for Severe M.E badges, supporters help keep Severe and Very Severe M.E visible throughout the year. Whether worn at work, in the community, at events or simply while going about everyday life, the badges often act as conversation starters, creating opportunities to talk about a condition that is too often overlooked. Thank you to everyone who has purchased and worn a badge, and to those who have helped start conversations and raise awareness long after our awareness day has ended.
Thank you to everyone who helped make Bed for Severe M.E 2026 possible. Every view, share, donation and conversation helps increase understanding of Severe and Very Severe ME and ensures that those most severely affected are not forgotten.