A year of challenge, change and hope.

2020 has been an incredibly difficult year for everyone, particularly those coping with serious illness and disability. Like all charities, we've had to make changes and rethink the way we do things. Thanks to amazing people like you, we're still here and still able to support those left anxious, vulnerable and isolated by mitochondrial disease. Thank you – your kindness and generosity has made a real difference. 

The Corrie effect

Coronation Street's storyline about mitochondrial disease raised awareness about mito to new levels in 2020. Many of us found little Oliver's heartbreaking story a tough watch, but we are proud to have worked with the Corrie team to ensure the drama on screen reflected the experiences of real families whose lives have been devastated by mito. The story generated huge media interest and saw visits to our website soar. A massive thank you the talented team of producers, writers and actors who worked hard to make this all possible. 

Adapting in tough times

With all events cancelled due to the pandemic, our funding streams stopped overnight. To counter this we introduced a weekly virtual Lily Quiz, with a different star host each week. Celebrities including Jo Brand, Josh Widdicombe, Russell Howard, Phil Tufnel, Lucy Speed, John Tompson, Dominic Holland, Jason Watkins, Coronation Street's Jane Danson and our very own Jonathan Pearce helped us raise over £27,000 through the quizzes. A huge thank you to all who took part!

Our popular My Mito Miles campaign was another great success. Thank you to all those who took part and helped to almost double our target of 24,900 miles around the world. You helped raised over £35,000 to fight mitochondrial diseases. Amazing!

Where your money goes

The money we raise goes directly towards funding research into mitochondrial diseases, supporting affected families, and raising awareness. Despite the unprecedented challenges, we are very proud to have funded three promising new research projects this year. We also continue to support hundreds of families and individuals affected by mito, including specialist Covid advice and support, and a new mental health service launched in May 2020.

While Covid prevented people from meeting in person, we worked hard to ensure those made vulnerable by mito were not isolated. Our various facebook groups have been a vital resource, allowing people to connect and support each other through the pandemic. We also launched our regular virtual coffee mornings, which have been a great way to stay in touch during hard times. 

Farewell Michelle!

With all events cancelled due to Covid, we have very reluctantly had to say goodbye to a much loved member of staff, our Fundraising Coordinator, Michelle Moore. Many of you know Michelle, and we'll all miss the amazing energy, organisation and positive spirit she brought to Lily. The good news is that she's promised to come back and help out once Lily events are reinstated, so we haven't seen the last of her!

Thank you for making a difference

From all of us here at The Lily Foundation, a heartfelt thank you for all your support helping those affected by mito – we simply couldn't do what we do without you. We wish you a peaceful Christmas and New Year, and as always our thoughts are with those of you who are missing someone special. 

Stay safe, and see you in 2021!

Liz and the Lily Team x