One Red Leaf at a Time: Call for Final Submissions

There has been a lot of commentary lately about 'hope' for people with ME and their carers. I have written before about my personal relationship with hope. For me, hope is not about toxic positivity, wishful thinking, blind faith or even comfort, nor is it about denying the existence of the ‘dark leaves’. It is the resistance I see modelled by my incredibly brave and determined daughter despite (and even because of) the circumstances. However, as I have previously written:

“To be able to hold onto hope is a privilege, one that not everyone can afford. For some, the weight of systemic injustice, poverty, or despair extinguishes the flame of hope before it can even flicker. It is a privilege to be able to imagine a brighter future, to believe in change, and to have the resources or support to pursue it. For those of us who can hope, let it not simply be a comfort to ourselves, but a driving force for action and solidarity.”

Over the last year, The Red Tree and ME has received powerful submissions of red leaf artwork and lived experience narratives from people living with ME and Long Covid, as well as from carers and allies inspired by this creative initiative. The submissions span many genres. Some pieces come from people creating art for the very first time, while others are by professional artists. Each contributor interprets the red leaf in their own way.

We will continue accepting submissions for the exhibition until the end of May 2026. After that, our focus will be on creating and curating the online exhibition itself.

There is still time if you would like to submit a red leaf artwork, please use the Google form and send in your piece before 31 May 2026.

I hope the pieces below will encourage and inspire you. With grateful thanks to the artists.

Finding

Pam Du Val, UK - photo collaged gelatine print and cyanotype

Pam writes ‘I was inspired by the words of the scientists working to understand ME they moved me very much. I am alone so much, making art from my bed: but they reminded me that we are not on our own. They reminded me of what hope looks like.’

IV Required

Paula Knight, UK - digital watercolour

Paula writes: ‘The veins of this ivy leaf in senescence reminded me of how people with ME can easily become dehydrated, especially when feeding problems are present. IV saline can often make people with ME feel better, because it helps to increase blood volume. Unfortunately, we don’t have access to it on the NHS. IV is a homophone with ivy, of course, making for a suitable metaphor.’

Warm October

Beren, UK - photograph

Beren writes: ‘I have had Long Covid since 2020 and I’m sometimes able to sit/lie in my garden at lunchtime, though POTS symptoms make it a challenge! This autumn, October was very warm and the grass began to grow again after going dormant in September. I noticed some yellow leaves from the acer tree in the grass and arranged them around a single red leaf that blew down from the nearby olive.’

Wrapped in Hope

Alison Clayton-Smith, UK - homemade ‘yarn’ and metal

Alison writes: ‘When I saw the project was inviting contributions I just had this idea to create a leaf using some sort of frame and wrapping with red material. I had already been thinking about how I might use the metal for a creative project and found that with a bit of effort I could manipulate it into shape by hand, keeping it simple to do. As I wrapped the yarn, which had also been waiting for a use, around the frame, I realised the feel and look was like that of wrapping a bandage. I thought about how bandages are an aid to healing, and though they won’t heal ME, that it felt like I was wrapping up hope for a cure into my ‘leaf’. I chose to take the photographs outside on my patio, which has been left to go wild this year, as I have been too unwell to garden. I have been learning to appreciate the beauty in allowing life to flow as it is rather than get stuck in the losses.’

Winter red leaf of hope

Cathy Trinder, UK - photograph

Cathy writes: ‘On a dark December day the hopeful red brightness of this leaf lit up my soul on a rare walk, and begged to be recorded, so i placed it on the dark background of the path and photographed it with my phone, and here it is: completely unaltered and perfect just as it is.’

Radiance

Ann Wingate, USA - photograph

Ann writes: ‘Nature near and far always inspires. Fall season brings fresh colors, joy and hope.’

Autumnal Dragon

Jamie Magid, USA - polymer clay on a glass jar

Jamie writes: ‘I wanted to add an interactive element to my figurines, and was inspired by the idea of a dragon’s hoard to create treasure jars with tiny clay guardians on top.’

Glowing In The Gloom

Ralph Turner, UK – photograph

Ralph writes: ‘These leaves came to rest on the ground just like this, no intervention on my part. I really like the arrangement.’