Thought-provoking photography exhibition captures what it’s like to live with ME/CFS
LONDON’S OXO TOWER WHARF
(24 September – 28 September 2025)
‘Lives We Cannot Live’ is a new and thought-provoking photographic exhibition by documentary film-maker and photographer Jeremy Jeffs. The exhibition is presented by The ME Association. It will be exhibited at the iconic Oxo Tower Wharf on London’s South Bank. The exhibition runs from 24 September to 28 September 2025. The exhibition shows the stark realities of daily life for people living with ME/CFS. This is achieved through a collection of more than 50 striking images.
ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), also known as CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), is a multisystemic disease. Symptoms include profound fatigue, sleep disturbance, post-exertional malaise, and cognitive difficulties. There is a range of other symptoms including pain, headaches, nausea, and intolerance to lights and noise.
The exhibition showcases the visually impactful images of more than 20 people from across the country. Some have ME/CFS so severely that they are confined to their bed. Some can work part-time. Many others struggle to maintain a basic existence.
Virtual walkthrough of ‘Lives We Cannot Live’ photography exhibition now available!
Jeremy Jeffs has provided a video for people unable to attend, which you can watch here: https://meassociation.org.uk/dc1i
#MEAssociation#LivesWeCannotLives#pwME#MECFS
Photographer Jeremy Jeffs, whose studio is based in London, also lives with ME/CFS.
He said, “The idea for the exhibition was sparked by my own experiences of ME/CFS, and my aim was to capture a sense of what this isolating illness is like for people in the ME/CFS community. ‘Lives We Cannot Live’ is a series of documentary photographs, which shows people in the room and places that the disease traps them, and honestly communicates their personal experiences.”
It is estimated that more than 403,00 people in the UK live with ME/CFS.
In addition, 950,000 people who can’t recover from a Covid infection could meet the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS. This means that 1,350,000 adults and children in the UK may be affected by ME/CFS. This is a real public health crisis. The photography exhibition aims to create greater understanding of this disease. It also highlights the impact that it has on people’s lives.
“The ME Association is incredibly proud to present ‘Lives We Cannot Live’ which brings ME/CFS into the spotlight. The Oxo Gallery is a stunning space to visually convey peoples’ emotive stories, using powerful images to present a unique perspective that will leave a lasting impression on viewers. We hope it drives greater awareness and understanding of ME/CFS in society for the thousands of people who must navigate the challenges of this disease every day and often feel invisible and forgotten by society,“ said Martine Ainsworth-Wells, trustee and campaigns director at The ME Association.
The ‘Lives We Cannot Live’ photography exhibition is at Oxo Gallery, Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, London, SE1 9PP. Wednesday 24th September – Sunday 28th September 2025. The event is open daily between 11 am and 6 pm, admission free.
The ME Association:
The ME Association (MEA) is a UK charity that launched in 1980 and supports people with ME/CFS and Long Covid. It is committed to working with its members and the ME/CFS community. Focused on improving the quality of life of those affected.
- Check out its free to download range of expert literature covering all aspects of diagnosis and management and an extensive website: www.meassociation.org.uk
- Use their personalised and professional support with ME Connect – an email and telephone service that is available every day of the year:
T: 0808 801 0484. E: meconnect@meassociation.org.uk - To support the work of the ME Association https://meassociation.org.uk/donate/
About Oxo Tower Wharf
Oxo Tower Wharf is an award-winning mixed-use building. Home to a creative community of designer-maker studios and showrooms, gallery and event spaces, shops, and cafes. All at the heart of London’s South Bank and Bankside.
The iconic building with its famous art deco tower is owned and managed by Coin Street, a local social enterprise creating a thriving, diverse, and welcoming place for people to live, work and play.
Visit: www.coinstreet.org | Instagram: @oxotowerwharf