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Sportspeople support Dobbin's plea for ME research funding

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 2, 2026, 6:30 AM

Last updated Nov 2, 2026

Sportspeople support Dobbin's plea for ME research funding

Summary

Over 360 sports figures, including Olympians Dina Asher-Smith and Tom Daley, signed a letter urging the Prime Minister to meet Beth Dobbin and increase funding for myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) research. Dobbin, who revealed her diagnosis of severe ME, highlights the lack of funding compared to other medical conditions. In her plea, Dobbin expressed gratitude for the support from her peers and aims for increased awareness and funding for ME, which has impacted over 400,000 people in the UK. The letter seeks to address a significant funding disparity, mentioning only £6.6m allocated for ME research from 2019 to 2024, compared to much larger amounts for Parkinson's and dementia research.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports BBC Sport

By the Numbers

•360 sportspeople signed a letter to the Prime Minister.
•Beth Dobbin spends over 22 hours a day in bed due to severe ME.
•ME affects more than 400,000 people in the UK, potentially exceeding one million.
•Funding for ME research is significantly lower than for other conditions.
•Dobbin aims to meet with Andy Burnham to discuss future funding.

Latest Updates

6:30 AMYahoo Sports — Sportspeople back Dobbin's PM plea on ME funding
6:30 AMBBC Sport — Sportspeople back Dobbin's PM plea on ME funding

What they're saying

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A total of 360 sportspeople sign a letter calling on the prime minister to meet Beth Dobbin and increase funding towards ME research.
— Yahoo Sports