Dave's Story

My involvement in research started when I was told that I had Age Related Wet Macular Degeneration, which can, and would, normally lead to significant visual impairment. I was approached about taking part in a research trial which was fully explained to me – including all the procedures and possible outcomes, along with all the risks and possible positives and negatives. I had never even thought about research within the NHS or what it could mean to me and others.

I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to be on a trial and that I took it up. I want others to do the same. Medical research benefits us all, where would we be today if medicines and treatments hadn't progressed over the past centuries?

I cannot guarantee that any individual will benefit as much as I did but, I can guarantee that someone will benefit from the knowledge obtained. I believe that we should all be aware of medical research and we should all have the opportunity to participate when it is available and not have to deal with it as a new concept when we may be facing other stark medical facts.