Full Breakdown
Beth Dobbin’s Fight Against Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Former Team GB sprinter Beth Dobbin—bronze-medallist at the 2018 Athletics World Cup and competitor at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics—has been diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). The chronic, fluctuating illness now confines her to bed for more than 22 hours a day, with outings limited to five occasions in the past year. Despite the risk that speaking publicly could trigger a debilitating “crash,” Dobbin has chosen to share her story to raise awareness of ME.
Background & Context
Dobbin’s health decline began after back-to-back infections with Covid-19 and glandular fever during the winter of 2021-22. Retrospective tests later confirmed both illnesses, though she initially noticed only modestly slower race times, extra sleep, and sore neck and armpit glands. British Athletics doctors found no clear cause, and she continued competing in a compressed 2022 season that included the World Championships, Commonwealth Games and European Championships. At each event she experienced worsening symptoms—painful throat, disrupted sleep, dizziness, and a loss of sensation in her legs that caused a false start at the European Championships.
Data & Statistics
- Bedtime: > 22 hours per day; only rises to eat or use the bathroom.
- Outings: Five house exits recorded in the past year.
- Prevalence: More than 400,000 people in the United Kingdom are thought to have ME, with some estimates suggesting the true number could exceed one million.
- Medical access: After British Athletics funding ended, Dobbin waited 22 months for a face-to-face appointment with a private specialist she sourced herself.
Official Statements & Responses
Dobbin has emphasized that even brief activities—such as a 30-minute interview—can set her back months, yet she believes her platform as a former Olympian gives her a duty to inform the public. She describes ME as “life-decimating,” noting the loss of independence, health, work ability, and exercise capacity. The athlete also highlights the absence of a dedicated NHS specialist service for ME, forcing her to educate general practitioners about the condition.
In response to the broader medical landscape, Dobbin observes that the Covid-19 pandemic has prompted increased attention and research funding for ME, particularly because of symptom overlap with long-Covid. She remains cautiously optimistic that future treatments may emerge, but characterizes her personal outlook as “very bleak.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Family members who joined Dobbin at her Doncaster home describe the emotional toll. Her mother, Jean, says each day feels “sad” and worries about Dobbin’s future. Her father, Jim, a former footballer, expressed helplessness, noting the lack of effective treatments and specialist referrals. Sister Faye has taken up a fundraising run, underscoring the family’s ongoing concern and commitment to supporting ME research.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You wake up every day and just feel sad. She should be building her life, living her best life.” — Jean
- “You just feel so helpless and we've been saying this for years now, what can we do?” — Faye
What’s Next
Faye Dobbin will run the Yorkshire Marathon on Sunday, October 18 to raise money for ME Research UK. The event is scheduled and reflects the family’s continued effort to draw attention and funds to the condition.