DISABILITY JOURNALIST • ACCESSIBILITY ADVOCATE • CAMPAIGNER

Alisha Whittam

Using journalism, lived experience and advocacy to explore disability and chronic illness, challenge barriers, amplify disabled voices and create change.

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A space for support, understanding, and real experiences

Living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS): Life, Support & Advocacy

Living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) can be overwhelming, isolating, and often misunderstood. This space is here to change that — to give a voice to real experiences, offer meaningful support, and create a community where you feel seen, heard, and understood.

What you’ll find here:

Honest, real-life experiences of living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS)
Clear explanations of symptoms, challenges, and daily realities
Support, guidance, and resources to help you navigate life with chronic illness
A community that understands — because no one should have to face this alone
Awareness campaigns and advocacy work pushing for real change

Living With ME Isn’t Just Hard — It’s Invisible

Real support, honest stories and meaningful advocacy for people living with ME/CFS and those who care for them.

I created this space from my bed, in the middle of the hardest fight of my life.

Not as an expert looking in — but as someone living it every single day.

If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or feel like no one truly understands…
You are not alone here.

More Than A Diagnosis — A Life That Still Matters

I’m Alisha — a wife, a mum, and proud dog mum to my two baby bears, Alfie and Archie.

Living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Endometriosis has changed my life in ways I never expected — but it hasn’t taken away who I am.

I still have things I love.
I still have dreams.
I still have a voice.

This space is where all of that comes together —
the reality of living with chronic illness, and the person behind it.

Finding Support Shouldn’t Be Another Battle

If you’re struggling, feeling overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn, please know that support does exist — even if it doesn’t always feel easy to find.

There are organisations, communities, and people who understand what living with ME is like — and who are here to help.

Sometimes the hardest step is accepting support. I know that feeling well.

But you don’t have to do this on your own.

Advocacy, Journalism, and Real Change

I’m a disability journalist, campaigner and accessibility advocate using journalism, lived experience and community action to challenge barriers and push for meaningful change.

Through my writing, campaigns, and community work, I aim to:

– Give a voice to those too often unheard
– Highlight the realities of living with ME/CFS
– Push for better understanding, accessibility and inclusion

This work is part of a much bigger mission — ensuring disabled people and those living with chronic illness are seen, heard and included.

Join me in raising awareness and creating real change

You can explore my campaigns and journalism work here → Journalism

Support, Guidance & Community

Everything I’ve created is designed to support you — wherever you are in your journey.

Whether you’re looking for support, connection, or shared experiences, you can explore all of my community spaces here → Our Community

ME/CFS Support Community

Connect with people who truly understand life with ME.
Share experiences, find comfort, and feel less alone.

Chronic Illness Resources

Practical advice, symptom support, and real-life guidance for navigating ME/CFS and chronic illness.

Awareness & Campaigns

Campaigning for disability rights, accessibility and inclusion through projects including Dear Andy Burnham and Campaigns for Change.

Support for Carers

Support for those caring for someone with ME — because your experience matters too.

Silence Saves Lives

For many living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, noise isn’t just uncomfortable — it can be physically harmful.

After experiencing this firsthand, I launched the Silence Saves campaign to raise awareness of the urgent need for quiet, sensory-safe spaces in hospitals and public environments.

This is about dignity. Safety. And being understood.

Learn more about the Silence Saves campaign

You Are Not Alone — And You Never Have To Be

Whether you’re living with ME, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to understand — you are welcome here.

Together, we can raise awareness, build understanding, and create real change.

Before we go further, it’s important to understand what Myalgic Encephalomyelitis actually is — because so many people still don’t fully understand the reality of it.

What Is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS)?

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), often referred to as ME/CFS, is a complex, disabling condition that affects multiple systems in the body.

It goes far beyond feeling tired.

People living with ME can experience:
– Severe, persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
– Post-exertional malaise (worsening symptoms after activity)
– Chronic pain
– Cognitive difficulties (often called “brain fog”)
– Sensitivity to light, sound, and stimulation

For many, even everyday tasks can become overwhelming or impossible.

Despite its impact, ME remains widely misunderstood — which is why awareness, education, and advocacy are so important.

If you’re trying to understand how these symptoms affect daily life, you can explore my Symptoms & Support guide here →

You’re not alone in this — you can also connect with others through my ME Community →

Help others feel seen — share this page

ME Is Part of My Life — Not All of It

Living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis can change almost every part of your life — but it doesn’t erase the person you were before you became ill.

We are still parents, partners, friends, creators, football supporters, dog lovers, campaigners, dreamers and everything else that makes us who we are.

Some days illness takes up almost all the space available. Other days, there may be room for something that makes us smile.

Both are real.

ME may shape my life, but it does not get to define everything I am.

A Life Can Look Different and Still Matter

Disability and chronic illness can change what life looks like.

Plans change. Independence can change. Relationships, work, social lives and even the smallest everyday routines can change.

But different doesn’t mean less.

This website isn’t about pretending those losses don’t hurt. It’s about making room for the difficult days while still recognising the person, the ambitions, the humour and the life that exist alongside them.

There is no single right way to live a meaningful life.

Start Here — Real Stories, Support & Understanding

Honest stories, helpful insights, and real experiences of life with ME/CFS — so you never feel alone in what you’re going through.

Pride of Britain Awards 2026

October 21, 2026

Discover the Pride of Britain Awards 2026 winners and the extraordinary people behind the headlines. From remarkable acts of bravery to lifelong dedication to helping ...

Variety Disability Sports Awards 2026: Celebrating the Winners and Nominees Shaping the Future of Disability Sport

October 16, 2026

Discover the winners and nominees of the Variety Disability Sports Awards 2026, celebrating outstanding achievements in disability sport and recognising the athletes, organisations and individuals ...

Illustration of a woman using a powered wheelchair alongside two black Labradors in an autumn Halloween scene with pumpkins, falling leaves and spooky decorations.

Different Isn’t Scary: Why Representation Matters, Especially at Halloween

October 15, 2026

Every child deserves to feel included. Discover why disability representation matters at Halloween and meet the Boo-Bility Crew & Friends, a collection of inclusive characters ...

Living With Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): My Story, the Research, and What You Need to Know

September 21, 2026

I was diagnosed with Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) years ago, but I rarely talked about it—until now. In this post, I share my personal story, the ...

ME Pyjama Party

September 21, 2026

Join the ME Pyjama Party and help raise awareness of life with ME/CFS. Put on your pyjamas, share your photo or story using #MEPJParty, and ...

Illustration about heavy periods and endometriosis with self-care ideas for managing pain and bleeding

The True Cost of Heavy Periods: Years of Bleeding Before My Endometriosis Diagnosis

September 20, 2026

For years I lived with heavy periods and severe pain before discovering I had endometriosis. I share the physical, emotional and financial cost, from managing ...

You can explore more real-life experiences and advice in my Blog & Advice section →

REAL LIFE, DISABILITY & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

My Latest Videos

From life with chronic illness and disability to accessibility, reviews, campaigns and everyday chaos with my baby bears Alfie & Archie 🐾 — my YouTube channel shares the real, unfiltered life behind the website.

Living with ME/CFS can make medical appointments overwhelming, especially when brain fog and fatigue make it difficult to remember everything you wanted to discuss.
Here are a few questions you may want to save before your next appointment, including asking about other possible contributors to your symptoms, managing your energy safely and support for individual symptoms.
💙 Save this Short for your next appointment.
💙 Share it with someone living with ME/CFS or supporting someone who does.
🌐 Find more ME/CFS information and lived experience:
https://www.alishawhittam.com
About Alisha Whittam
I share real life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Endometriosis and disability, alongside accessibility, advocacy and lived experience.
🔗 Connect with me:
Instagram: @alishawhittam
X: @alishawhittam
Facebook: @alishajwhittam
TikTok: @alishawhittam
Pinterest: @alishawhittam
✉️ For collaborations or media: press@alishawhittam.com
#MECFS #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #SevereME #MEAwareness #ChronicIllness #Disability #Shorts

ME/CFS: Questions to Ask Your Doctor 💙 #Shorts

🐾 It's toy day for Alfie and Archie!
In this video, my two Black Labradors get their paws on a box full of toys from Ormskirk Pets, and things quickly descend into complete unboxing chaos.
Inside the box are Kong toys, Nerf dog toys, tug toys and plenty of new favourites for the boys to investigate. As always, Alfie and Archie have very different opinions when it comes to toys!
❤️ A little behind-the-scenes note: the boys actually received these toys back in April. Living with Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) means everything has to work around my health, and some days simply getting through the day has to come before editing videos.
To make things easier on myself, I edited the first half of this video separately rather than leaving myself with one huge project to tackle all at once. Then it became a case of working on it whenever a better health day came along. It has taken much longer than I originally planned, but I'm so pleased to finally share it with you.
🐶 Alfie likes to carefully inspect every toy, carry his favourites around and give them lots of gentle "nub nubs."
🐶 Archie has a slightly different approach... if it's fluffy, squeaky or cute, there's a very good chance it won't survive the day!
At the end of the video, I also share some of Alfie's favourite toys from Christmas. These special toys have earned a place in the toy bag hanging on the back of my bedroom door because anything soft, fluffy or adorable usually doesn't last five minutes once Archie gets involved. 😂
If you love Labrador videos, funny dog moments, dog toy reviews, pet unboxings or simply watching two Black Labradors being themselves, this video is for you.
🐾 Which toy do you think lasted the longest?
🐾 Are you Team Alfie or Team Archie?
Let me know in the comments!
❤️ Thank you to everyone who supports our channel. Every view, like, comment and share helps us continue creating content and raising awareness of life with Severe ME/CFS alongside all of Alfie and Archie's adventures.
#Labrador #BlackLabrador #DogToys #KongDogToys #NerfDogToys #DogUnboxing #FunnyDogs #DogLovers #PetToys #LabradorLife #AlfieAndArchie
Welcome to my channel — sharing real life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Endometriosis, 2 Black Labradors and Disability Awareness 💛
Here you'll find:
– Honest conversations about chronic illness & disability
– Tips, guides, and lived experience stories
– Campaigns like Silence Saves & The Ability Alliance
– Life with my two Black Labradors, Alfie & Archie 🐾
🔗 Explore more:
🌐 Website: https://www.alishawhittam.com
📸 Instagram: @alishawhittam
🐦 Twitter (X): @alishawhittam
📘 Facebook: @alishajwhittam
🎥 TikTok: @alishawhittam
📌 Pinterest: @alishawhittam
📧 For collaborations or media: press@alishawhittam.com

Can These Toys Survive Alfie & Archie? 🐾 Labrador Toy Test

🎗️ Things You Learn Living With ME/CFS
Living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) teaches you things you never wanted to learn.
💜 Post-Exertional Malaise
💜 Spoon Theory
💜 Invisible Illness
💜 Mobility Aids
💜 Cancelled Plans
💜 The fear of being a burden
💜 Finding comfort in the smallest things
Most importantly, it teaches you this:
👉 We haven’t changed. Our lives have.
If you live with chronic illness, disability, Long Covid, Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis or chronic pain, I hope this reminds you that you’re not alone.
📖 Read the full article:
https://alishawhittam.com
#MECFS #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicIllness #InvisibleIllness #SpoonTheory #DisabilityAwareness #DisabledCreator #MEAwareness

We Haven’t Changed. Our Lives Have.

I recently completed this questionnaire on my blog, but now I’d love to hear your answers.
Pick one question or answer them all in the comments 👇
Blog post:
https://alishawhittam.com/all-about-me-questionnaire-myalgic-encephalomyelitis/
#GetToKnowMe #Questionnaire #ChronicIllness #MECFS #DisabilityAwareness #LifeWithME #taylorswift #toystory5

Let’s Get To Know Each Other

PRODUCT REVIEWS, ACCESSIBILITY & REAL-LIFE TESTING

Reviews Built Around Real Life

I review products, services, accessibility schemes and places from the perspective that matters most — what they’re actually like to live with and use.

From mobility aids, pain relief and everyday living products to technology, accessible venues and the things Alfie & Archie put through their own rather enthusiastic quality-control department, my reviews are based on real experience.

No pretending everything is perfect. If something works, I’ll tell you why. If it doesn’t, I’ll tell you that too.

Building a Community

Connection matters — especially when illness or disability can make the world feel smaller. These are some of the spaces we’ve built together to share experiences, find support and make sure nobody feels invisible.

REAL LIFE WITH ME

Honest stories from life with ME/CFS—the good days, the hardest days, and everything in between.

Support, understanding, and reassurance when you need it most.

Watch & follow on –

ME CARER COMMUNITY

Support, guidance and understanding for those caring for someone living with ME/CFS.

Guidance, shared experiences, and a community that truly understands.

Join our community on –

ME PYJAMA PARTY

A simple way to raise awareness, share your story and help make invisible illness visible.

Join in, share your story, and help make invisible illness seen.

Join the campaign on –

Looking for somewhere you feel understood?

Explore our communities and find the space that feels right for you.

You don’t have to go through this alone

No spam — just real life, honest stories, and support when you need it most.

Join a community that understands life with ME — real stories, real support, and a space where you don’t have to explain yourself.

No pressure. No overwhelm. Just support when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS)

Clear answers to common questions about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS).

What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS)?

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) is a complex neurological condition that affects multiple systems in the body, causing severe fatigue, pain, and a range of other symptoms.

Is ME/CFS just being tired?

No — ME/CFS is far more serious than normal fatigue and can significantly impact daily life and quality of life.

What are the symptoms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS)?

Symptoms can include extreme fatigue, post-exertional malaise, chronic pain, cognitive difficulties (brain fog), and sensitivity to light and sound.

Is there support available for people living with ME/CFS?

Yes — there are communities, organisations, and support networks that offer guidance, understanding, and connection for people living with ME/CFS.

How can I connect with others living with ME/CFS?

You can connect with others through online communities, support groups, and shared spaces where people understand the realities of living with ME/CFS.

You can also explore more detailed guides and support resources in my Symptoms & Support page →

DISABILITY JOURNALISM, FEATURES & REAL STORIES

Lived experience can start conversations. Journalism can take those conversations further.

Alongside sharing my own experiences, I write about disability, accessibility, inclusion and the issues affecting disabled people — combining lived experience with research, interviews and independent journalism.

My work has now been published by Northwest Bylines, and I’m continuing to develop features that challenge barriers, amplify overlooked stories and ask the questions that need asking.