15 Apr 2026
An exhibition of artwork and photography by members of the Hertfordshire ME/CFS Support Group aims to give them a platform to highlight the impact of their conditions.
The St Albans-based group is made up of people living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia and post-viral conditions such as Long Covid.
Those affected live with a variety of symptoms which can be debilitating and may leave them extremely isolated. They might have had to reduce or give up work that they love and can struggle to maintain friendships and family relationships while managing their illness.
The Hertfordshire ME/CFS Support Group offers support in a number of ways, including through information sharing, peer support and organising accessible social, creative and wellbeing activities in St Albans and beyond.
Their founder, Maxine Ellis, explained the reasons behind the exhibition, which is entitled Now You See ME, Now You Don’t, and was made possible through funding from Hertfordshire Community Foundation, and support from St Albans Museums and St Albans Cathedral.
“Group members find that activities like art – which can be undertaken whenever the sufferer feels able – can provide positive benefits in allowing them to express themselves and to continue to participate in the community, when their voices are often unheard and their lives often invisible.
“Participants were able to reflect on life before and after diagnosis, and on the universal theme of finding joy and comfort while facing challenging situations.”
One member said: “This is a wonderful project, getting the opportunity to meet up once a month to be creative, to gently get together without pressure is so valuable.”
Another participant added: “It’s such a privilege to be able to share our stories of life with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and Long Covid in an exhibition. We often feel invisible, not being able to fully take part in ordinary life, and these illnesses are still misunderstood.”
According to the ME Association, it is estimated that around 404,000 people are living with ME/CFS in the UK, with a combined total of 1.3 million for all these conditions including those currently living with Long Covid or waiting for a diagnosis.
The exhibition is free to visit, in the community space, under the Rose Window, during Cathedral opening hours from May 8-24. It coincides with ME/CFS Awareness Week, which takes place from May 11-17.
