Cambridge resident Julia Smith feels passionately about the value of medical research and to date has volunteered to take part in five trials into a range of different conditions.
Having spent 20 years as a research fundraiser for medical charities, Julia is keenly aware of the wealth and diversity of research being carried out in Cambridge: “Research is the life-blood of medical advance and I know how important volunteers are for researchers. We are very lucky to have cutting-edge research taking place locally; participating is one small way in which I can help."
“The more that we can do to prevent and treat illnesses and disease, the better for the NHS and everyone’s welfare. And the more data that can be collected, the faster improvements can be made to benefit us all”
Julia first became involved in trials about 20 years ago after seeing a notice asking for volunteers for research looking into osteoporosis risk and breast feeding. “I thought I’m in a lucky position to be able to offer some time and it looked like an interesting project,” she said.
Having breast fed her two sons, Julia was eligible to participate. She had to keep a food diary for short periods of 2-3 days, provide urine samples for analysis and undergo bone density – or DEXA – scans at certain time points during the three-year trial: “It was fascinating to be involved and showed that I was unlikely to get osteoporosis. It put my mind at rest; if something had been wrong, I would have been referred for treatment.”
After that she decided to sign up for other trials looking into, for example, how age, weight and ethnic background might influence blood pressure and how much time is needed between blood collections for regular donors.
Julia also signed up for a trial looking into heart health that involved detailed tests on her heart, arteries and veins. She was particularly interested in this research because her nephew had tragically passed away aged 20 with an undiagnosed heart condition.
This was interesting because the researchers picked up on something that I already knew about but referred me on for an extra check. It was reassuring to know that it had been picked up and checked but should not have an impact upon me
Julia is currently enrolled in an international study to compare different types of breast cancer screening in women aged between 40 and 70 years. Her involvement in the ongoing trial is minimal; two initial mammograms and collection of her health data.
Julia would encourage others to get involved in research: “My family have lived in Cambridge for generations; I grew up and have raised my own family here. I was treated as a young child at Addenbrooke’s.
“As a family we have all benefited from wonderful staff and care provided by the NHS.
Being open to research opportunities is a great way to give something back and to support the amazing research work being carried out here. It's easy and interesting to do and can be beneficial because it provides an extra level of knowledge meaning you can proactively manage your own health."
From my experience, there’s nothing to lose and a lot to gain