Spotlight on Youth Contributions

With Jenny and Isaac

I am absolutely delighted to highlight the recent contributions of some fabulous young people sharing their creativity and skills to raise awareness of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).

Jenny, age 16, recently developed and led a One Red Leaf at a Time inspired art scholars project ‘Silks of Hope’ with the support of Helen Wilson, Head of Textiles at Oxford High School, to shine a light on ME.

I hope you enjoy reading Jenny’s piece below about the inspiration for the Silks of Hope Project and are encouraged and inspired by these beautiful silk paintings. Huge thanks to Jenny (Year 12 Textiles Scholar) for leading the project, with support from Helen Wilson (Head of Textiles, Oxford High School), Chelsea and Sarah (Year 12 Art Scholars). Many thanks also to the talented Year 7-9 Art Scholars: Anya, Bisou, Emily, Lyra, Megan, Nora, Sophia and Sumie. We look forward to including your work in the One Red Leaf at a Time exhibition and really appreciate you sharing your creativity, time and energy to raise awareness of ME.

Isaac, age 16, whose sister has very severe ME, recently organised his 3rd annual online concert for Blue Sunday for ME to raise funds for the ME/CFS research at The University of Edinburgh. He writes to express his gratitude to the musicians who contributed to the concert and to Professor Chris Ponting and Tessa Munt MP for their support. So far, this year’s concert has raised an amazing £3,397. This is is still available to watch and share.

Having spent my career working with children and young people, I know from experience that they are often powerful advocates for change. The contributions of these young people are not only inspiring - they are helping to send a powerful and urgent message: this condition deserves much greater recognition and proper funding for research.

Silks of hope

By Jenny

Silk paint and gutta on silk habotai

Credits:

Oxford High School, Oxfordshire. Led by Jenny (Y12 Textiles Scholar) and supported by Helen Wilson (Head of Textiles), Chelsea and Sarah (Y12 Art Scholars). Artworks by Y7-9 Art Scholars: Nora, Sumie, Bisou, Sophia, Emily, Lyra , Anya and Megan.

Inspiration:

Inspired by Jo’s story and the others told within her The Red Tree and ME Substack, we taught the Y7-9 Art Scholars a series of silk painting techniques, creating designs of red leaves and stories of hope. Each student’s piece is uniquely created, with inspiration ranging from woodland creatures, to landscapes and to Shaun Tan’s book ‘The Red Tree’. Peeling off the tape revealed another picture below, where silk paint had bled through like magic into the original designs, creating beautiful colours and patterns and an accidental piece of art! Everyone really enjoyed being part of this inspiring project.

Online Music Concert

By Isaac

Last month I organised and performed in the third Blue Sunday Concert for ME to help raise awareness and funds to support the ME research led by Professor Chris Ponting at The University of Edinburgh. So far, we have managed to raise £3397 (more than the total of both of the previous concerts combined!) thanks to the incredibly kind donations on our JustGiving page.

I would like to thank all the musicians for their amazing performances from a variety of genres. A special thank you to Tessa Munt MP, Chair of the APPG for ME, for sharing a video message of solidarity and her ongoing advocacy for people with ME.

I would also like to express massive thanks to Professor Chris Ponting at the University of Edinburgh for his message of hope for people living with ME as well as his continued dedication to research for treatments and a cure for this seriously debilitating illness.

Many who have ME are limited in their ability to listen to music. Some, like my sister, are now unable to listen to music at all. Despite this, music remains a powerful way of bringing communities together. For those who have lost music due to ME, it is important to show that music has not forgotten them.

After the 2026 launch of the online concert, it was incredibly inspiring and moving to receive not only such generous donations from those who had watched the concert, but also messages from people who are affected by ME and who enjoyed the concert.

I hope to organise another concert next year. Until then you can follow my Instagram page to keep up to date.