Inspirational experiences from patients, their families and carers
We’ve gathered some fantastic stories from people across England, whose lives have been transformed by clinical research. All you need to do is click on the links below to access experiences relating to a wide range of conditions. You’ll find short-films and video-diaries to explore, plus audio and written accounts too.
Fred Whitby
02 October 2017
In early 2016, Fred was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease causing skin thickening, joint pain, finger ulcers, stiffness and difficulty swallowing. With no cure available and symptoms getting progressively worse, Fred decided to take up an opportunity to get involved in research. He says taking part in this research has given him new hope of finding a cure.
Anne Norton
04 September 2017
Former nurse Anne Norton’s gratitude for a sight-saving eye treatment bolstered her support of clinical trials and led her to take part in a trial herself.
Diane Chadband
04 September 2017
Diane Chadband is a mother of three who has undergone a gastric band operation.
Claire Bowley
01 August 2017
Claire Bowley freely admits she had no idea of the research opportunities available through the NHS, but since taking part in research, she believes her intervention gave her a longer pregnancy, reducing the risk of health problems to her newborn twins.
Jim Thomas
06 July 2017
37-year-old Reverend Jim Thomas, was offered the opportunity to take part in a study testing the efficacy of a biologic drug for the treatment of eczema. Having suffered with severe eczema since he was a child, Jim's life has changed for the better since taking part in the study.
Max
03 July 2017
Max was diagnosed with testicular cancer when he was just fifteen years old, and took part in a research study that will help inform more large scale NIHR research into cancer.
Amelie Holl
05 June 2017
Amelie Holl, aged 4, is helping NHS researchers find better treatments and care for future patients via the Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) study.
Mandy Sellars
01 May 2017
In 2011, Mandy was introduced to two researchers from Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge, Dr Robert Semple and Dr Victoria Parker.
Jane Owen
03 April 2017
Jane Owen of Plymouth believes she wouldn’t have survived Diabetes if it wasn’t for treatment advances informed by clinical research.
Stuart Priscott
06 March 2017
Stuart is prepared to travel 200 miles to attend clinic appointments for a Cystic Fibrosis research study at a South West hospital.