Every hour of research is an hour to help brave people who are torn away from normal living and endure immense amounts of struggling and suffering.
— Dr Rebecca Williams Dinsdale, prize-winning triple graduate, and a person with lived experience of ME/CFS
At ME Research UK, our sole focus is funding biomedical research into ME/CFS. Every study we support brings us closer to better diagnosis, effective treatments, and one day a cure.
Research needs scientists, but it also needs a community. Every project we fund is made possible by supporters who share one belief: that people with ME/CFS deserve answers.
You can be part of the research journey too. There is no “right” way to make a difference, and no contribution is too small. Together, our actions help drive life-changing research.
In this article, we’ll explore the many ways you can get involved – in whatever way works for you.
Make a donation
A donation is the most direct way to support ME Research UK. Your contribution makes our mission to drive progress in ME/CFS research possible, especially as the need for answers remains urgent and research spend by central government is woefully low.
As Helen Morgan MP has described, those living with the most severe forms of ME can be left “unable to move, speak, or even swallow”.
You can maximise the impact of your donation by making it a regular gift. By choosing to give monthly, you become part of a committed community that helps ensure vital research can continue without interruption. Plus, if you are a UK taxpayer then Gift Aid allows donations to swell by 25% at no additional cost to you.
Fundraise
Fundraising is a powerful way to support ME Research UK while bringing people together for a shared cause. Whether you organise an event, start a fundraising page, or find your own way to raise funds, every effort helps us continue our work.
Fundraising also helps raise awareness and ensure that the voices of people affected by ME/CFS are heard. If you are thinking about starting your own project, our fundraising guide includes ideas, practical advice, and tips to help you get started – and our team is here to support you along the way.
Payroll Giving
Payroll Giving is a simple way to support ME Research UK through regular donations directly from your salary or pension. Because your donation is taken before tax, you can often give more while it costs you less.
Setting up Payroll Giving is easy: simply speak to your employer’s Payroll or HR team to find out if they offer a scheme. Your regular support helps provide a reliable source of funding, allowing us to continue advancing ME/CFS research.
Leave a legacy
A gift in your Will is a meaningful way to support the vision of a future without ME/CFS. By leaving a gift in your Will, you can help support work which dispels ignorance about the disease and offers genuine hope for those affected.
New research funded by ME Research UK suggests that more than 400,000 people in the UK live with ME/CFS – a 60% rise from previous estimates.
We understand that family and loved ones come first, and leaving a gift is a deeply personal decision. No legacy is small to us – it can make a lasting difference. Our legacy guide provides more information if you are considering including ME Research UK in your Will.
Shopping online
Small everyday actions can make a difference too. By using online shopping platforms that support charities, you can raise funds for ME Research UK at no extra cost to you.
From shopping through Give as You Live or easyfundraising, to using charity search engines and eBay for Charity, there are many ways to support our work while doing the things you already do online. These simple actions add up, helping us continue our mission.
Research needs scientists, but it also needs a community.
Thank you for being a part of ours.
