We are so grateful to every single person who chooses to fundraise in aid of ME Research UK. It is only because of their support that we can continue to inform, influence, and invest in biomedical research into ME/CFS globally.
Without them, our current projects simply would not be funded.
Each month, Fundraising Focus is our way of saying thank you and celebrate the people behind the fundraising.
Sophie Allen is challenging herself to swim 1 mile at the Great North Swim at Windermere Lake.
“For 11 years of my life swimming was my entire personality. However that changed when unexplainable symptoms started to affect my swimming, and later my life.”
She is fundraising “so we can live a normal life and enjoy the things others take for granted”. Thank you so much, Sophie. We wish you the best.
Claire Carter and “a team of 7 amazing women and David” participated in Walk for ME in May, both running and hiking.
“Thank you so much to everyone getting involved, your support truly means the world, and for all donations big or small – all so very gratefully received. Thank you so much 💙”
Thank you, Claire – and your amazing team.
Nicole Alexander participated in Blue Sunday and helped raise vital funds in aid of the charity.
Thank you so much, Nicole – a cup of tea is such a lovely way to bring people together.
Fiona Williams has walked 10km per day for one week during May, in memory of her son Andrew.
“Let me tell you a little about Andrew. He was only 19 when he was first diagnosed with M.E. He was studying genetics at Edinburgh University and living his life to the full. He was a strong athletic young man and a skilled footballer who cycled everywhere in shorts, summer or winter.”
Thank you, Fiona. We wish you well.
Andrew Gifford has raised both awareness and funds in aid of the charity.
“I feel a bit awkward asking for cash for a cause, as I know you may already have other better-known causes close to your heart and times are tough. But please know that any spare change from the back of the sofa would be much appreciated.”
Thank you, Andrew – all the best.
Ian Murdie participated in Struggle:Ten. It is a bike ride that “goes up and down for 250km” around the Yorkshire Dales.
“Since Covid, ME/CFS has become more and more common. We have friends and a close family member who have lost years of their life to this debilitating fatigue. Yet there is so little known about this condition, doctors have little to offer and unless more research is done, we aren’t going to know any more.”
Thank you, Ian – and well done.
Ruby Burns is participating in the 2026 Tissington Trail Half Marathon in September.
“I’m so lucky to now be well enough to train for a half marathon! I’ve chosen to fundraise for ME Research UK as I’ve experienced first hand the lack of understanding and support available when living with the condition.”
Thank you, Ruby – and take care.
Anita Walker is raising funds and awareness in aid of the charity on this summer solstice.
“This is my daughter’s story: I went from working as a mental health nurse and my life revolving around swimming outdoors to housebound and ultimately mostly bedbound.“
Thank you, Anita – and our best wishes to your daughter.
Chloe Mattinson is participating in the 2027 AJ Bell Great Manchester Run.
The run is the biggest running event in the North West. Starting and finishing in the heart of the city, runners soak up the Manchester spirit the whole way round and pass iconic landmarks on their journey to the finish line.
Thank you so much, Chloe – and good luck.
“On 4th October”, Will Adlam will be “running the Cardiff Half Marathon for ME Research UK”, alongside Skye Louw and Dan Adlam.
Will says: “My brother Tommy is one of the people living with ME. ME Research UK is one of the few UK charities funding the biomedical research that could meaningfully shift things, both for Tommy and for everyone else living with it.”
Thank you so much, Will, Skye, and Dan – and good luck.
Nathalie Holden is running the “Cardiff Half Marathon in support of ME Research UK, a cause that’s very personal to me.”
“My partner developed ME, triggered by Covid in 2020. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to consider running the Cardiff Half Marathon this year — something my partner is unable to do. If you’re able to support, thank you.”
Thank you, Nathalie – and good luck.
Mia Batchelor is participating in the 2026 Cardiff Half Marathon in October.
The Cardiff Half Marathon is one of Europe’s leading road races, offering a flat, fast and spectacular course through the heart of Wales’ capital.
Thank you so much, Mia – and good luck.
