Descriptions, by Alec Finlay

A patient-led description of ME, composed from the words of people with ME

In late 2021, Action for ME supported Alec Finlay, an internationally recognised artist and poet, to craft an online survey that enabled people to describe their experiences of life with ME Using people’s words from their responses to the survey questions, Alec created a found poem that powerfully describes living with ME

Alec feels this work shines a light on this hidden, invisible illness and the harmful impact of being disbelieved on people’s health and ability to live.

We sell the hard copy at cost price, to cover production and shipping costs.

Guidance for readers

This content is distressing and liable to be upsetting. Support is available from Action for ME for anyone affected by ME, including friends, families and carers. We chose to include the words of people with ME in their original form, without editing. We recognise that people’s experiences vary greatly; this text can only begin to represent the difficulties that individuals endure. We especially advise discretion in terms of sharing the book with younger readers.

We are a small team and aim to process and ship orders three times a week, but please allow up to 7 business days for your order to be shipped.  If you need something quickly please email us on fundraising@actionforme.org.uk and we try our best to accommodate your request.