Ali Payne (40) from Frome, Somerset, who lives with ME/CFS, is appealing to the local community to pass on any unwanted pre-loved and vintage clothing which Ali plans to sell via her Instagram account, Little Splash Fashion, with 25% of all sales donated to The ME Association; a charity close to her heart.

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, who once worked locally in childcare, is no longer able to work as the symptoms of ME/CFS often mean that she is bedbound and unable to leave her home. Before diagnosis, Ali 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, Ali was eventually diagnosed and has lived with ME/CFS for more than 12 years.

Today, Ali has turned her love of vintage clothing into a business that will be of wider benefit – to also help raise money for The ME Association, of which she is a member.

Fashonista Ali, who recently came up with the idea said, "Due to MF/CFS, my health has deteriorated. 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."

Ali is appealing for 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. She will even 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. 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," continues Ali.

Ali lives with her husband Jason, and two children Evelyn (9) and Felix (10) who are an invaluable support. Ali's symptoms fluctuate, and on good days she can leave the house using a wheelchair or walking stick, on bad days, Ali 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, which Ali is hoping to increase. To contact Ali and donate clothing, please visit https://www.instagram.com/little_splash_fashion/

For further support and information on ME/CFS, please visit The ME Association www.meassociation.org.uk