I became a Research Champion after many years supporting research projects at UHCW as part of the Patient and Public Research Advisory Group (PPRAG) after I could no longer work full time. This was due to having undergone a number of major surgeries, including two brain surgeries, back and neck surgeries, as well as requiring radiotherapy, which have left me with a lot of side effects that I manage on a daily basis, one of which is sleep apnoea.
Being involved in both PPRAG and volunteering as a Research Champion is keeping me busy. I also now run my own Family Addiction Support Group.
I enjoy finding out what research is happening at UHCW and being able to provide my views and opinions on possible studies. A while ago, we reviewed a study to see if a heart monitoring implant, would help those who have sleep apnoea pick up on vital heart related problems, before they may progress. As a member of PPRAG I was able to share my thoughts on this study and was happy to find out the study had been approved and would start at UHCW.
A few years ago, due to my new ailment I found myself participating in the very study I was able to support in the early stages of development. I learnt a lot about how sleep apnoea affects the heart and whether I did have any damage myself.
As a Research Champion I am able to engage with people throughout the community and raise awareness of research and tell my own personal story and share my experience as a research participant.
For anyone thinking about becoming a Research Champion, I would say it's fun, interesting, informative and furthermore you are able to "give back" especially when I have been supported under our wonderful NHS.
Research helps create a future that enables people to get the best quality of care possible and along the way, teaches us just how vast research and contributing is, and ultimately important
You don't have to be an academic to be a part of PPRAG or to be a Research Champion. We are all from different backgrounds, social and cultural settings, which makes it all the more valuable.