# Olympic sprinter calls for ME research funding

> Beth Dobbin, bedbound with myalgic encephalomyelitis, writes to PM Andy Burnham urging investment in a neglected condition affecting over 400,000 UK people.
- Title: Olympic sprinter calls for ME research funding · BBC Sport
- Summary: Beth Dobbin, bedbound with myalgic encephalomyelitis, writes to PM Andy Burnham urging investment in a neglected condition affecting over 400,000 UK people…
- Keywords: beth dobbin, myalgic encephalomyelitis, me research, andy burnham, chronic illness, nhs funding, sports, Olympic, sprinter, calls, research, funding
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/articles/cmewe4x4vnk5o
- Published: 2026-10-21T14:21:19.228+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: beth dobbin, myalgic encephalomyelitis, me research, andy burnham, chronic illness, nhs funding, sports
## Sprinter reveals ME diagnosis
Former British sprinter Beth Dobbin, thirty-two, who raced at the Tokyo Olympics five years ago, revealed on Friday she has been diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis.
## What is ME and how common is it
Myalgic encephalomyelitis is a chronic, fluctuating disease causing sleep problems, memory issues, pain and severe persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest.
## Dobbin's letter to Prime Minister
In a letter to Andy Burnham, Dobbin said ME has been neglected and psychologicalised for years, receiving little government funding for research compared to other illnesses.

> ME has been neglected and psychologicalised for years.
## The cost of raising awareness
Dobbin decided to do the interview with BBC Sport to raise awareness of the condition, despite knowing it could trigger a brutal deterioration in her health.
## Government investment to date
Between April two thousand nineteen and March two thousand twenty-four, the UK government invested around six point five million pounds in research into ME.
## Key takeaway

Former British sprinter Beth Dobbin has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham calling for increased government funding into research for ME, a chronic condition that has left her spending twenty-two hours a day in bed.