BED for Severe M.E.

29 October is the annual awareness day dedicated to Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.).

The awareness day is a collaborative initiative between sister social enterprises ME Foggy Dog and Stripy Lightbulb CIC. ME Foggy Dog raises awareness and fundraises, whilst Stripy Lightbulb CIC focuses on education of professionals. Both work for the benefit of the M.E. community and will be hosting activities on the day,

Around 25% of people with M.E. are severely affected. These individuals are bed-bound or mostly/completely housebound, with care needs shaped by extreme sensitivity to movement, noise, and light. Symptoms can be profound and life‑altering: paralysis, blackouts, coma‑like states, tremors, cardiac dysfunction, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and stroke‑like episodes, among many others.

In 2026, of all people with a clinical diagnosis of M.E. or M.E./C.F.S., 25% equates to around 100,000 people in the UK alone.

BED for Severe M.E. Poster 2026

Why BED?

For someone living with Severe M.E., BED becomes their world. Many must spend most, and often all, of their time lying down. M.E. causes Post‑Exertional Malaise (or Post‑Exertional Neuro‑Exhaustion), pain, and intense sensitivity to light and sound, making everyday activities extremely challenging if not impossible.

BED becomes the central place for rest, comfort, and essential daily tasks: eating, washing, and connecting with others online or in person (when stimulation is tolerable). It often becomes a sanctuary. In reality, BED is far more than furniture, it is a critical part of daily life, safety, and symptom management.

BED for Severe M.E. has five components, we’ve made it as inclusive of people living with Severe M.E. as possible whilst also trying to reach outside the M.E. community.

An illustration for BED for Severe M.E. - a young black woman laying in a bed wearing an eye mask.

Wear Your PJs to Work!

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An illustration for BED for Severe M.E. - an old white woman laying in a bed wearing an eye mask.

Buy a Badge to Support M.E. Research

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An illustration for BED for Severe M.E. - a young indian woman laying in a bed wearing an eye mask.

Donate to Support BED for Severe M.E.

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An illustration for BED for Severe M.E. - a middle aged Asian man laying in a bed.

BED ‘Party’ on Social Media!

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An illustration for BED for Severe M.E. - a young hispanic woman laying in a bed wearing an eye mask.

‘In Loving Memory’ Board

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BED was launched in 2024, in 2026 the two beneficiaries of BED for severe M.E. fundraising and surplus (profits) from badge sales are going to M.E. Research UK and Smile for M.E.

  • Smile For ME
  • In aid of ME Research UK

JustGiving links will be available a week before the awareness day on 29th October.