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.
David Higenbottam
30 July 2018
In December 2016, David Higenbottam experienced a subarachnoid haemmorhage. Here he gives his account of a condition that affects nearly 7,000 people in the UK each year and is a life changing experience.
Tricia Moate
30 July 2018
In 2004, Tricia Moate, at age 52, was diagnosed with advanced sarcoma, a rare form of cancer which can affect almost any part of the body. Here, she explains how she’s helping to shape research for future generations, and why she wants more people to do the same.
Ron Butterfield
30 July 2018
Ron Butterfield, from Portsmouth, was born in 1948 and turns 70 years old in September. To mark the recent 70th birthday of the NHS, he is sharing his story to highlight the importance of continued research.
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.