Sally Doherty, an author from Surrey who is housebound and largely bedbound due to myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), has found a unique way to stay connected with the outside world: a miniature cardboard cut-out of herself attached to chopsticks, affectionately named Chopstick Sally.
Diagnosed with ME in 2006 after falling ill in late 2005, Doherty experiences debilitating symptoms, including physical and cognitive fatigue, muscle aches, and nausea, which limit her ability to leave her home.
Despite these challenges, Doherty continues to pursue her passion for writing and has developed an inventive way to “attend” events and feel more included in society.
She explained that her illness has forced her to spend long periods in bed, only leaving for essential tasks like eating and showering.
“I fell ill in my early 20s, completely unexpectedly following a simple cold in October 2005, and over the space of a week my life ground to a halt,” she shared, reflecting on how her once active life was transformed.
Her creative idea for Chopstick Sally was born out of her desire to promote her books and still participate in events she couldn’t physically attend.
Using photos of herself in different outfits, taken by her husband, Doherty prints and pastes the images onto cardboard, attaching them to chopsticks to create her miniature stand-in.
The figure has since been a symbolic way for her to be present at various occasions, such as the London Book Fair, where her second book was shortlisted for an award.
Though Doherty couldn’t attend the ceremony, Chopstick Sally made an appearance, helping her feel connected to the literary community.
With a touch of humor, Doherty noted that her cardboard doppelgänger might need a wardrobe change soon, adding that Chopstick Sally has become an essential part of her journey in staying engaged with the world outside her home.
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