The Olympic sprinter now bedbound for 22 hours a day

Beth Dobbin, a former British Olympic sprinter, is now bedridden for over 22 hours each day due to a chronic illness known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), formerly called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Despite her determination to raise awareness of ME, she acknowledges that discussing her condition could exacerbate her deteriorating health.

Five years ago, Dobbin won a silver medal for Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics. Now 32, she spends most of her days confined to bed, only leaving to eat and use the restroom. She has ventured outside on just five occasions this year. ME causes symptoms like severe fatigue, cognitive issues, pain, and sleep disturbances, which can be triggered by minor stimuli such as bright lights or loud noises, leading to debilitating crashes lasting for days or even months.

Dobbin contracted both Covid and glandular fever in late 2021, which initiated her gradual decline. Despite receiving various specialist consultations, her condition worsened, leading to a period of intense suffering. Her family, including her parents Jim and Jean, and sister Faye, are deeply concerned about her future. Despite her prolonged bed rest, Dobbin continues to experience severe fatigue and requires medication to help her sleep.

Her parents and sister are desperate for help, yet there are no specialized services for ME within the NHS, and she has had to self-educate physicians about her condition. Faye plans to run the Yorkshire Marathon to raise awareness and funds for ME research.