Anna Redshaw - https://the-slow-lane.com/2025/04/13/countdown-to-blue-sunday-2025/

Tea Parties For M.E., often solo endeavours held in beds across the world, will be happening on Sunday 18th May on what has come to be known as Blue Sunday (the Sunday after World M.E. Day).

I have found tea and cake (or whatever is accessible) to be the best way to engage others with our cause. Lure them in on the promise of a slice of lemon drizzle cake, and serve with a side of awareness and education about all things M.E.

Bake sales, raffles, giveaways, merchandise, quizzes, video calls, group chats…people make it work around their own specific restrictions at the hands of this devastating illness.

If nothing else, we deserve a day to come together over something nicer than fighting for government funding, an end to the stigma and dangerous mistreatment, and pleading for the bare minimum of respect from medical professionals and wider society. We deserve to feel a bit of joy where we’re at. For most that comes from simply seeing social media awash with blue and the realisation that they aren’t alone in this.

Those who can, donate the price they’d pay for tea and cake (£3-5) to an M.E. charity or cause of their choice. Together we have raised over £140,000, shared between multiple charities internationally.

It’s almost time my friends!