Sammie McFarland
@sammiemc.bsky.social
Long Covid Kids Founder & CEO
Hoping to be on the right side of history.
♿️#LongCovid ✳️#CleanAir 🙋🏻♀️Campaigner
🧠🧡🫀#LongCovidKids
🌊#ColdWater 🧜🏻♀️#Swimming
🧘🏻#Pilates coach - #Pacing since 2020 🦠 😷
🫅🏼#CoronationChampion 💥#Volunteer
Hoping to be on the right side of history.
♿️#LongCovid ✳️#CleanAir 🙋🏻♀️Campaigner
🧠🧡🫀#LongCovidKids
🌊#ColdWater 🧜🏻♀️#Swimming
🧘🏻#Pilates coach - #Pacing since 2020 🦠 😷
🫅🏼#CoronationChampion 💥#Volunteer
Pinned
⚠️ No parent should ever be in this position, no child should be refused healthcare.
If the truth had been shared with the general public, we wouldn’t have been left without support.
Module 8. U.K. COVID Inquiry
@longcovidkids.bsky.social
#CovidInquiry #LongCovidKids #Parenting
If the truth had been shared with the general public, we wouldn’t have been left without support.
Module 8. U.K. COVID Inquiry
@longcovidkids.bsky.social
#CovidInquiry #LongCovidKids #Parenting
Reposted by Sammie McFarland
our work with young people living with Long Covid and overlapping illnesses - like Eden.
Want to have your LCK donations doubled this #Christmas? ⭐
2 - 9 December, you can make double the difference with one donation. Save the date now!
#YouthAdvisoryBoard #YouthPanel #LongCovid #Charity #Donate
Want to have your LCK donations doubled this #Christmas? ⭐
2 - 9 December, you can make double the difference with one donation. Save the date now!
#YouthAdvisoryBoard #YouthPanel #LongCovid #Charity #Donate
November 14, 2025 at 10:23 AM
our work with young people living with Long Covid and overlapping illnesses - like Eden.
Want to have your LCK donations doubled this #Christmas? ⭐
2 - 9 December, you can make double the difference with one donation. Save the date now!
#YouthAdvisoryBoard #YouthPanel #LongCovid #Charity #Donate
Want to have your LCK donations doubled this #Christmas? ⭐
2 - 9 December, you can make double the difference with one donation. Save the date now!
#YouthAdvisoryBoard #YouthPanel #LongCovid #Charity #Donate
Reposted by Sammie McFarland
21 year old Eden Bryrne
shared her lived experience with IDEA-FAST
Eden is a valued member of our Youth Advisory Panel and assists with communications, she says:
I’m “glad to be able to share my story as part of my work on the IDEA FAST advisory board ! I discuss how living with long covid and
shared her lived experience with IDEA-FAST
Eden is a valued member of our Youth Advisory Panel and assists with communications, she says:
I’m “glad to be able to share my story as part of my work on the IDEA FAST advisory board ! I discuss how living with long covid and
November 14, 2025 at 10:23 AM
21 year old Eden Bryrne
shared her lived experience with IDEA-FAST
Eden is a valued member of our Youth Advisory Panel and assists with communications, she says:
I’m “glad to be able to share my story as part of my work on the IDEA FAST advisory board ! I discuss how living with long covid and
shared her lived experience with IDEA-FAST
Eden is a valued member of our Youth Advisory Panel and assists with communications, she says:
I’m “glad to be able to share my story as part of my work on the IDEA FAST advisory board ! I discuss how living with long covid and
Families need clear #PublicHealth information on risk of hospitalisation AND post infectious diseases.
I urge @rcpch.bsky.social to collaborate with @longcovidkids.bsky.social on similar fact sheets for COVID / #LongCovid.
#Flu #Facts #Childhealth
www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/fl...
#LongCovidKids
I urge @rcpch.bsky.social to collaborate with @longcovidkids.bsky.social on similar fact sheets for COVID / #LongCovid.
#Flu #Facts #Childhealth
www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/fl...
#LongCovidKids
Every #winter, thousands of children need hospital care because of the #flu. #Paediatricians play a vital role to increase uptake of the flu vaccine to protect children from this virus, and to reduce winter strains on the NHS.
#RCPCH factsheet
www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/fl...
#RCPCH factsheet
www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/fl...
November 12, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Families need clear #PublicHealth information on risk of hospitalisation AND post infectious diseases.
I urge @rcpch.bsky.social to collaborate with @longcovidkids.bsky.social on similar fact sheets for COVID / #LongCovid.
#Flu #Facts #Childhealth
www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/fl...
#LongCovidKids
I urge @rcpch.bsky.social to collaborate with @longcovidkids.bsky.social on similar fact sheets for COVID / #LongCovid.
#Flu #Facts #Childhealth
www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/fl...
#LongCovidKids
'By comparing blood, immune-cell profiles, and gene activity in people with and without long COVID, researchers uncovered biological differences that map onto those harsher, longer lasting symptoms.'
www.earth.com/news/why-lon...
#WomensHealth #LongCovid
www.earth.com/news/why-lon...
#WomensHealth #LongCovid
November 12, 2025 at 8:18 AM
'By comparing blood, immune-cell profiles, and gene activity in people with and without long COVID, researchers uncovered biological differences that map onto those harsher, longer lasting symptoms.'
www.earth.com/news/why-lon...
#WomensHealth #LongCovid
www.earth.com/news/why-lon...
#WomensHealth #LongCovid
It hurts every cell in my body that parents weren’t warned about infection risk in the early pandemic.
I welcome this information from the RCPCH but it needs to be louder and everywhere. Hopefully it will flood media outlets this week.
#Parenting #Information #Flu #Chidren #PostViralIllness
I welcome this information from the RCPCH but it needs to be louder and everywhere. Hopefully it will flood media outlets this week.
#Parenting #Information #Flu #Chidren #PostViralIllness
Even previously healthy children can become seriously ill with flu, the Royal College of #Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) said.
A troublesome mutant strain of the flu is believed to be behind a concerning early spike in flu cases, which experts say may be more severe than usual.
This is because
A troublesome mutant strain of the flu is believed to be behind a concerning early spike in flu cases, which experts say may be more severe than usual.
This is because
November 12, 2025 at 7:45 AM
It hurts every cell in my body that parents weren’t warned about infection risk in the early pandemic.
I welcome this information from the RCPCH but it needs to be louder and everywhere. Hopefully it will flood media outlets this week.
#Parenting #Information #Flu #Chidren #PostViralIllness
I welcome this information from the RCPCH but it needs to be louder and everywhere. Hopefully it will flood media outlets this week.
#Parenting #Information #Flu #Chidren #PostViralIllness
“Like many of us, she recovered from this bout of illness and wasn’t overly concerned when she experienced the illness for the second time a few months later.” @independent.ie
Thank you for your advocacy Lydia.
#LongCovid #Ireland
m.independent.ie/life/health-...
Thank you for your advocacy Lydia.
#LongCovid #Ireland
m.independent.ie/life/health-...
November 11, 2025 at 7:32 AM
“Like many of us, she recovered from this bout of illness and wasn’t overly concerned when she experienced the illness for the second time a few months later.” @independent.ie
Thank you for your advocacy Lydia.
#LongCovid #Ireland
m.independent.ie/life/health-...
Thank you for your advocacy Lydia.
#LongCovid #Ireland
m.independent.ie/life/health-...
The #BigGive is an incredible opportunity for @longcovidkids.bsky.social to secure funds needed to help continue the mission to provide support, drive action and improve outcomes for children living with the impact of a novel virus that we were told wouldn't impact them.
#SaveTheDate #LongCovidKids
#SaveTheDate #LongCovidKids
🔔#SaveTheDate
Soon, your generosity can go twice as far.
From 2nd–9th December, every donation to LCK will be doubled through @biggiveorg #ChristmasChallenge!
We are delighted to be taking part again this year - thanks to our match funders.
If you’re ...
Soon, your generosity can go twice as far.
From 2nd–9th December, every donation to LCK will be doubled through @biggiveorg #ChristmasChallenge!
We are delighted to be taking part again this year - thanks to our match funders.
If you’re ...
November 10, 2025 at 6:57 PM
The #BigGive is an incredible opportunity for @longcovidkids.bsky.social to secure funds needed to help continue the mission to provide support, drive action and improve outcomes for children living with the impact of a novel virus that we were told wouldn't impact them.
#SaveTheDate #LongCovidKids
#SaveTheDate #LongCovidKids
A collaboration for progress makes me so happy!
One voice sharing overlapping challenges to improve lives - what's not to love!
#OIA #OverlappingIllnesses #JoinedUpAction
One voice sharing overlapping challenges to improve lives - what's not to love!
#OIA #OverlappingIllnesses #JoinedUpAction
🌟Today we are proud to launch the Overlapping Illness Alliance.
A coalition of charities working to improve recognition, care and support for those living with complex, overlapping conditions.
Check out:
www.overlappingillnessalliance.org.uk
#OIA #OverlappingIllnesses #JoinedUpAction
A coalition of charities working to improve recognition, care and support for those living with complex, overlapping conditions.
Check out:
www.overlappingillnessalliance.org.uk
#OIA #OverlappingIllnesses #JoinedUpAction
November 4, 2025 at 1:19 PM
A collaboration for progress makes me so happy!
One voice sharing overlapping challenges to improve lives - what's not to love!
#OIA #OverlappingIllnesses #JoinedUpAction
One voice sharing overlapping challenges to improve lives - what's not to love!
#OIA #OverlappingIllnesses #JoinedUpAction
Imagine if we had the funds to create an awareness campaign like this!
Clara's poster looks fantastic sized up!
We would love to hear from anyone out there who would like to help us?
#Philanthropy #FundraisingSupport
#Goals #PublicHealth #Awareness #Charity #Children #LongCovidKids #LongCovid
Clara's poster looks fantastic sized up!
We would love to hear from anyone out there who would like to help us?
#Philanthropy #FundraisingSupport
#Goals #PublicHealth #Awareness #Charity #Children #LongCovidKids #LongCovid
🙏 to everyone who took part in the LCK Summer Poster Competition, our judges were blown away by the creativity and powerful messaging in the 30+ entries
🏆 Here’s the age 5-11 category winner, designed by Clara M, Age 10
🎨 Poster Title: “Understand We Need Your Support”
🏆 Here’s the age 5-11 category winner, designed by Clara M, Age 10
🎨 Poster Title: “Understand We Need Your Support”
November 4, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Imagine if we had the funds to create an awareness campaign like this!
Clara's poster looks fantastic sized up!
We would love to hear from anyone out there who would like to help us?
#Philanthropy #FundraisingSupport
#Goals #PublicHealth #Awareness #Charity #Children #LongCovidKids #LongCovid
Clara's poster looks fantastic sized up!
We would love to hear from anyone out there who would like to help us?
#Philanthropy #FundraisingSupport
#Goals #PublicHealth #Awareness #Charity #Children #LongCovidKids #LongCovid
Reposted by Sammie McFarland
‘This large retrospective study shows moderate protective effect of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 vaccination against long COVID. The effect is stronger in adolescents, who have higher risk of long COVID, and wanes over time.’
publications.aap.org/pediatrics/a...
#Longcovid
publications.aap.org/pediatrics/a...
#Longcovid
November 3, 2025 at 9:09 PM
‘This large retrospective study shows moderate protective effect of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 vaccination against long COVID. The effect is stronger in adolescents, who have higher risk of long COVID, and wanes over time.’
publications.aap.org/pediatrics/a...
#Longcovid
publications.aap.org/pediatrics/a...
#Longcovid
While raising vital funds Anita is shining a light on paediatric Long Covid - & the need for action. Her determination, despite living with the condition herself, is truly inspiring.
Her words echo those we hear from CYP facing LC - they want to get on with their lives!
#MondayGratitude
Her words echo those we hear from CYP facing LC - they want to get on with their lives!
#MondayGratitude
"I want to get busy," she says. "I want to get out there.
"I want to be working, I want to be doing something."
"Some days I can walk and walk, and then other days I get out of the house, take a few steps and say 'that's enough for today'." Anita
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#LongCovidKids
"I want to be working, I want to be doing something."
"Some days I can walk and walk, and then other days I get out of the house, take a few steps and say 'that's enough for today'." Anita
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#LongCovidKids
November 3, 2025 at 10:58 AM
While raising vital funds Anita is shining a light on paediatric Long Covid - & the need for action. Her determination, despite living with the condition herself, is truly inspiring.
Her words echo those we hear from CYP facing LC - they want to get on with their lives!
#MondayGratitude
Her words echo those we hear from CYP facing LC - they want to get on with their lives!
#MondayGratitude
Sarah found her motivation for these swims while teaching a child with Long Covid, one of LCK's young members, and has just completed her personal challenge.
If you can spare the price of a coffee (or more) she would be delighted to end on a high.
🙏
www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-s...
#Swimming
If you can spare the price of a coffee (or more) she would be delighted to end on a high.
🙏
www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-s...
#Swimming
November 2, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Sarah found her motivation for these swims while teaching a child with Long Covid, one of LCK's young members, and has just completed her personal challenge.
If you can spare the price of a coffee (or more) she would be delighted to end on a high.
🙏
www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-s...
#Swimming
If you can spare the price of a coffee (or more) she would be delighted to end on a high.
🙏
www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-s...
#Swimming
Progress to see that early lived experience advice has now been adopted by the #NHS
It needs to go further to reduce risks to patients- avoid exercising for 12 weeks after any COVID infection.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/l...
It needs to go further to reduce risks to patients- avoid exercising for 12 weeks after any COVID infection.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/l...
October 31, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Progress to see that early lived experience advice has now been adopted by the #NHS
It needs to go further to reduce risks to patients- avoid exercising for 12 weeks after any COVID infection.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/l...
It needs to go further to reduce risks to patients- avoid exercising for 12 weeks after any COVID infection.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/l...
Reposted by Sammie McFarland
The Clinical Post Covid Society is now called
The International Post Covid and Post Infection Conditions Society.
More info here:
www.ipicsociety.org.uk
The International Post Covid and Post Infection Conditions Society.
More info here:
www.ipicsociety.org.uk
October 30, 2025 at 2:45 PM
The Clinical Post Covid Society is now called
The International Post Covid and Post Infection Conditions Society.
More info here:
www.ipicsociety.org.uk
The International Post Covid and Post Infection Conditions Society.
More info here:
www.ipicsociety.org.uk
Reposted by Sammie McFarland
‘Unless we rethink what education is for – and how we support pupils to engage with it – thousands of young people will be denied their potential.’
theconversation.com/children-wit...
#Education #Childhood
theconversation.com/children-wit...
#Education #Childhood
October 27, 2025 at 3:22 PM
‘Unless we rethink what education is for – and how we support pupils to engage with it – thousands of young people will be denied their potential.’
theconversation.com/children-wit...
#Education #Childhood
theconversation.com/children-wit...
#Education #Childhood
Reposted by Sammie McFarland
3rd - Why was there such total inaction?
There could/should have been an approach to reopening schools that maximise their safety with effective use of NPI's - all 4 Govs knowingly left families uninformed/ unprotected from risk.
"Long Covid remains a roulette"
#CleanAir #LongCovidKids
There could/should have been an approach to reopening schools that maximise their safety with effective use of NPI's - all 4 Govs knowingly left families uninformed/ unprotected from risk.
"Long Covid remains a roulette"
#CleanAir #LongCovidKids
October 23, 2025 at 1:28 PM
3rd - Why was there such total inaction?
There could/should have been an approach to reopening schools that maximise their safety with effective use of NPI's - all 4 Govs knowingly left families uninformed/ unprotected from risk.
"Long Covid remains a roulette"
#CleanAir #LongCovidKids
There could/should have been an approach to reopening schools that maximise their safety with effective use of NPI's - all 4 Govs knowingly left families uninformed/ unprotected from risk.
"Long Covid remains a roulette"
#CleanAir #LongCovidKids
Reposted by Sammie McFarland
Prof Turner - President #RCPCH
He did not once refer to Long Covid in his evidence.
"This collective failure to warn about the potential physical harm to children had real world consequences, it is simply wrong to say that a warning would have made no difference"
#Children #LongCovidKids
He did not once refer to Long Covid in his evidence.
"This collective failure to warn about the potential physical harm to children had real world consequences, it is simply wrong to say that a warning would have made no difference"
#Children #LongCovidKids
October 23, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Prof Turner - President #RCPCH
He did not once refer to Long Covid in his evidence.
"This collective failure to warn about the potential physical harm to children had real world consequences, it is simply wrong to say that a warning would have made no difference"
#Children #LongCovidKids
He did not once refer to Long Covid in his evidence.
"This collective failure to warn about the potential physical harm to children had real world consequences, it is simply wrong to say that a warning would have made no difference"
#Children #LongCovidKids
Reposted by Sammie McFarland
Sarah Hannett KC -
A number of the Mod 8 witnesses were asked why NO #PublicHealth advice has been given, all gave throughly unsatisfactory answers.
"Former PM Boris Johnson failed to refer to paediatric Long Covid"
#ChildrensRights #LongCovidKids #LongCovid #COVIDInquiry
A number of the Mod 8 witnesses were asked why NO #PublicHealth advice has been given, all gave throughly unsatisfactory answers.
"Former PM Boris Johnson failed to refer to paediatric Long Covid"
#ChildrensRights #LongCovidKids #LongCovid #COVIDInquiry
October 23, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Sarah Hannett KC -
A number of the Mod 8 witnesses were asked why NO #PublicHealth advice has been given, all gave throughly unsatisfactory answers.
"Former PM Boris Johnson failed to refer to paediatric Long Covid"
#ChildrensRights #LongCovidKids #LongCovid #COVIDInquiry
A number of the Mod 8 witnesses were asked why NO #PublicHealth advice has been given, all gave throughly unsatisfactory answers.
"Former PM Boris Johnson failed to refer to paediatric Long Covid"
#ChildrensRights #LongCovidKids #LongCovid #COVIDInquiry
Reposted by Sammie McFarland
#LongCovidKids Closing Subs to the UK #COVIDInquiry
Sarah Hannett KC
"failures constitute an ongoing breach of the government's duty to place the best interest of children at the heart of their decision making and to respect the human rights of those children & their families"
#ChildrensRights
Sarah Hannett KC
"failures constitute an ongoing breach of the government's duty to place the best interest of children at the heart of their decision making and to respect the human rights of those children & their families"
#ChildrensRights
October 23, 2025 at 1:02 PM
#LongCovidKids Closing Subs to the UK #COVIDInquiry
Sarah Hannett KC
"failures constitute an ongoing breach of the government's duty to place the best interest of children at the heart of their decision making and to respect the human rights of those children & their families"
#ChildrensRights
Sarah Hannett KC
"failures constitute an ongoing breach of the government's duty to place the best interest of children at the heart of their decision making and to respect the human rights of those children & their families"
#ChildrensRights
Reposted by Sammie McFarland
Prof Viner - Chief Scientific Advisor to DfE confirmed he agreed with the conclusions of the #LongCovid expert report that sets out prevalence and impact of Long Covid.
He accepted he has not provided advice to DfE on Long Covid - acknowledgement was reluctantly given, unexplained & irrational.
He accepted he has not provided advice to DfE on Long Covid - acknowledgement was reluctantly given, unexplained & irrational.
October 23, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Prof Viner - Chief Scientific Advisor to DfE confirmed he agreed with the conclusions of the #LongCovid expert report that sets out prevalence and impact of Long Covid.
He accepted he has not provided advice to DfE on Long Covid - acknowledgement was reluctantly given, unexplained & irrational.
He accepted he has not provided advice to DfE on Long Covid - acknowledgement was reluctantly given, unexplained & irrational.
Reposted by Sammie McFarland
4th- Where are we now?
The current & shameful position is that measures in place are non existent/inadequate.
No #PublicHealth messaging
No specific #Guidance to schools
Failure to prioritise #CeanAir in #schools
No ongoing CYP #DataCollection
Inadequate #Healthcare
#Burden remains on families
The current & shameful position is that measures in place are non existent/inadequate.
No #PublicHealth messaging
No specific #Guidance to schools
Failure to prioritise #CeanAir in #schools
No ongoing CYP #DataCollection
Inadequate #Healthcare
#Burden remains on families
October 23, 2025 at 1:34 PM
4th- Where are we now?
The current & shameful position is that measures in place are non existent/inadequate.
No #PublicHealth messaging
No specific #Guidance to schools
Failure to prioritise #CeanAir in #schools
No ongoing CYP #DataCollection
Inadequate #Healthcare
#Burden remains on families
The current & shameful position is that measures in place are non existent/inadequate.
No #PublicHealth messaging
No specific #Guidance to schools
Failure to prioritise #CeanAir in #schools
No ongoing CYP #DataCollection
Inadequate #Healthcare
#Burden remains on families
Reposted by Sammie McFarland
At the same time as deciding not to issue guidance to schools the DfE was referring to materials from LCK as misinformation.
This allegation is unexplained, unfair and untrue.
"The misinformation was hiding the facts from families"
@sammiemc.bsky.social
#PatientAdvocacy #LongCovidKids
This allegation is unexplained, unfair and untrue.
"The misinformation was hiding the facts from families"
@sammiemc.bsky.social
#PatientAdvocacy #LongCovidKids
October 23, 2025 at 1:14 PM
At the same time as deciding not to issue guidance to schools the DfE was referring to materials from LCK as misinformation.
This allegation is unexplained, unfair and untrue.
"The misinformation was hiding the facts from families"
@sammiemc.bsky.social
#PatientAdvocacy #LongCovidKids
This allegation is unexplained, unfair and untrue.
"The misinformation was hiding the facts from families"
@sammiemc.bsky.social
#PatientAdvocacy #LongCovidKids
Reposted by Sammie McFarland
" for children this is such a formative point in their lives providing the best environment for those children should be really important"
@cathnoakes.bsky.social
#Leadership #CleanAir #LongCovidKids #COVIDInquiry
@cathnoakes.bsky.social
#Leadership #CleanAir #LongCovidKids #COVIDInquiry
October 22, 2025 at 12:07 PM
" for children this is such a formative point in their lives providing the best environment for those children should be really important"
@cathnoakes.bsky.social
#Leadership #CleanAir #LongCovidKids #COVIDInquiry
@cathnoakes.bsky.social
#Leadership #CleanAir #LongCovidKids #COVIDInquiry
Reposted by Sammie McFarland
Q - Do you support investment in ventilation / air cleaning now?
A - "Better ventilating environments provide a healthier environment for children and adults, they help you mitigate against disease"
Prof @cathnoakes.bsky.social
#CleanAir #Standards #Education
A - "Better ventilating environments provide a healthier environment for children and adults, they help you mitigate against disease"
Prof @cathnoakes.bsky.social
#CleanAir #Standards #Education
October 22, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Q - Do you support investment in ventilation / air cleaning now?
A - "Better ventilating environments provide a healthier environment for children and adults, they help you mitigate against disease"
Prof @cathnoakes.bsky.social
#CleanAir #Standards #Education
A - "Better ventilating environments provide a healthier environment for children and adults, they help you mitigate against disease"
Prof @cathnoakes.bsky.social
#CleanAir #Standards #Education