From Me To You

The increase in using electronic methods to connect with others meant I was able to attend a virtual Macmillan Coffee Morning in September. It was a good opportunity to catch up with writer friends from around the country, and during the session, the host talked to us about ‘From Me To You‘ letters.

From Me To You

Founded in 2017, From Me To You was set up by Alison Hitchcock and Brian Greenley. When Brian was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2010, Alison offered to write letters to him to cheer him up. Alison continued to write throughout the three years until Brian was clear of cancer. They became part of his recovery process – providing a lighthearted link to Alison’s experience of life. Recognising the value in the letters, Alison and Brian created From Me To You.

The charity aims to support and encourage people writing to family and friends who have cancer. Letters can offer distraction on a difficult day, or sometimes just serve as a reminder that people care. The charity also provides a letter donation service, through which people can write to strangers. Living through cancer can be lonely. Receiving a letter – even from someone you don’t know – can help reduce feelings of isolation.

Getting Started

I hadn’t heard of the charity before, but was inspired to sign up to donate letters. Most of us have experienced cancer personally, or through family and friends, and it can be hard to know how best to support. The website has plenty of ideas on content for letters, and advice on how to begin writing. From anecdotes about daily life to self-penned poetry, the range of prompts is wide. Donated letters are returned to the charity, for onward distribution.

There are many benefits of letter writing, both for author and recipient. The hand (or typed) written word is more personal than electronic communication. It can be less open to interpretation than an email or text, which often seem to lack the depth of a written letter. Research suggests that writing letters regularly can improve contentedness, and reduce depressive feelings. Letters can be reread, and kept securely, rather than being stored online and forgotten. They also create a legacy, which endures longer than electronic communications.

The process of signing up, and either writing, or receiving a letter, is explained on the website. I recommend taking a look; we all have stories to share which will make people smile.