FROME fashionista Ali Payne has launched an appeal for unwanted pre-loved clothing for a sale that will benefit a charity close to her heart.
Ali, who runs an Instagram account called Little Splash Fashion, lives with chronic debilitating condition ME/CFS – and has come up with an idea to help others in her situation.
The 40-year-old is appealing for people to pass on unwanted pre-loved and vintage clothing, which she will sell through Little Splash Fashion, with 25% of all sales donated to The ME Association.
Ali, who once worked locally in childcare, is no longer able to work as the symptoms of ME/CFS often mean she is bedbound and unable to leave her home.
Before diagnosis, she was in good health, enjoying exercise and jogging several times a week.
However, after falling ill at work, attending many GP appointments and hospital admissions, and being bedbound for months, she was eventually diagnosed and has lived with ME/CFS for more than 12 years.
Now, Ali has turned her love of vintage clothing into a business that will be of wider benefit – and will also help raise money for The ME Association, of which she is a member.
ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), also known as CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), is a complex and debilitating long-term medical condition. There is currently no cure or treatment.
Ali is often left bedbound by her condition – but has made Little Splash Fashion work
“Due to MF/CFS, my health has deteriorated,” she said. “I can no longer work a normal 9 to 5 job, and I wanted to come up with a way of earning my own money from home, within my own health parameters.
“I love fashion and clothing but can no longer go out and source my own clothes, which is why I launched Little Splash Fashion on Instagram.”
Donations of any unwanted pre-loved or vintage clothing (clean and in good condition) including women’s, children’s, and men’s, as well as accessories such as jewellery or bags can be made, with Ali offering to pay the postage for any donations.
“I would like to ask for the support of the local community, and beyond, and I want there to be a positive purpose to my idea,” she added.
“25% of everything sold through Little Splash Fashion will be donated to The ME Association; a charity that helps millions of people living with ME/CFS.”
Ali with children Felix, Evelyn and husband, Jason
Ali lives with her husband Jason, and two children Evelyn, nine, and 10-year-old Felix.
She said her symptoms fluctuate, and on good days she can leave the house using a wheelchair or walking stick, but on bad days, may be bedbound.
Jim Morrison, fundraising and development manager at The ME Association, said: “It’s wonderful to see our members come up with such ingenious ways to raise money for The ME Association, that also bring positive benefits all round.
“We are extremely grateful to Ali and encourage the local community to rummage through their wardrobes and pass on any unwanted clothing to Little Splash Fashion – your donations will make a significant difference, helping to support people with ME/CFS. We wish Ali all the best in her new venture.”
Little Splash Fashion has more than 1,700 Instagram followers. To contact Ali and donate clothing, visit instagram.com/little_splash_fashion.
For further support and information on ME/CFS, visit The ME Association at www.meassociation.org.uk.
People donate clothes FREE.
ALI sells FREE clothes and pockets 75% of all proceeds; nice work if you can get it.