This is a guide for those who would like to write to their MP to request that they support Olympian Beth Dobbin’s call for greater funding for ME research.

Template email

Subject: Supporting Beth Dobbin’s call for ME research funding

Dear [insert MP name] MP

I’m writing as a constituent affected by ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) to ask for your help in raising the urgent need for ME research funding with the Prime Minister.  [I am attaching a briefing with further information.]

Beth Dobbin, a former Team GB sprinter who competed at the Tokyo Olympics, has been featured by the BBC this week. After developing severe ME, Beth is now mostly housebound. On 21 October, she wrote to Andy Burnham, calling for greater funding for ME research. She is also seeking a meeting with the Prime Minister.

[ADD 2–4 SENTENCES ABOUT HOW ME AFFECTS YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW, INCLUDING ITS IMPACT ON DAILY LIFE, WORK, EDUCATION OR INDEPENDENCE]

An estimated 1.35 million people in the UK are affected by ME, yet there is no recognised treatment. Between 2019/20 and 2023/24, UK government research funders committed around £6.6m to ME research, compared with £79.1m spent on Parkinson’s and £496.4m on dementia.

Like Beth, many people have been forced to give up careers they love, losing their livelihoods and their ability to contribute to the economy.

The Government’s 2025 Final Delivery Plan for ME acknowledged the “relatively low amount of biomedical research funded […] compared with disease burden.” Yet this has not led to the transformational investment needed.

Beth has shown courage in speaking out, despite the risk it poses to her health. As a constituent, I would be grateful if you could raise Beth’s call for increased ME research funding with the Prime Minister, support her request for a meeting, and press for substantially increased funding for biomedical research.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR FULL NAME, WITH YOUR ADDRESS, POSTCODE & CONTACT NUMBER]

ThereForME October 2026