“I first heard about research at the Quadram Institute while working as a receptionist at a doctor’s surgery.

Two researchers from the Quadram Institute came to talk about the MOTION study investigating gut microbes and the role they may play in healthy ageing. There was a group of us from the surgery including clinicians, nurses, receptionists, and admin staff.

The researchers from the Quadram Institute were looking for people to take part in the study. They were very enthusiastic about their research and explained their research in a way I could relate to. The thing that struck me was how the subject was presented. It wasn’t technical, I wasn’t blinded by science. It was very user friendly.

I found the subject of the connection between the gut and the brain most interesting. It’s mind blowing to find out that your gut affects other parts of your body. I went home and I gave taking part in the study some thought.

They were only looking for people in a certain age group, which I fitted into. I work part time so I knew I would have time to commit to the study. So, I decided to give it a go. I sent off the form and it went from there.

A warm welcome

This was the first study I’ve taken part in. I’ve never been part of a study before.

Coming to the Quadram Institute for the first time, it was so refreshing to come into an environment that is so open.

You’re put at ease straight away; you don’t feel like you’re walking into a hospital environment. It’s a lovely environment and you’re made to feel very welcome

The people that you meet face to face, you meet several times throughout the study, so you get to build up that rapport. It’s like coming to see a friend, it’s lovely.

What the MOTION study involved

The MOTION study involved physical and cognitive tests.

The cognitive tests were really interesting for me. I’m terrible with my rights and lefts. If anyone asks me for directions, I back away and try to get someone else to do it for me. One of the cognitive tests called the supermarket game, involved directions. It was 99.9% an utter guess for me! But it was really fun.

For the physical tests, I had blood tests and blood pressure tests at various points, which was brilliant for me because I suffer from white coat syndrome, where your blood pressure increases in a clinical setting. The Quadram Institute staff actually picked up on the white coat syndrome and now it’s been addressed by my GP.

Although they kept saying at any time you can pull away from the study, that wasn’t an option for me. For me if you go into something it’s important to see it to fruition.

Taking part in research is a commitment and you have to take that onboard when you join. But it’s worth it.

Learning about the role of the gut on health

I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the MOTION study.

I think coming into this study and getting an idea of tests gave me an insight into the role and importance of your gut. It’s such a huge part of your body that you probably don’t give any credence to it at all. It’s been a real eye opener.

When you’re given a small insight into what the gut affects, it’s incredible.

At the end of the day, if research buys you more time, delaying onset of illness like dementia and Alzheimer’s that’s got to be a good thing. It gives you an appreciation of that.

Making a difference

Everyone involved in the study is just so supportive. You really feel like you are making a difference.

You may only be a very small cog in the machine, but you are made to feel that your part is just as important.

To anyone thinking of taking part in research, if you have the time, please do it.

Without research, without understanding, we can’t move forward with medical conditions. It may not lead to a cure, but it may lead to a preventative, and it may lead to a delay in disease progression, particularly in an older demographic we’re now experiencing.”

• Find out more about taking part in human studies at the Quadram Institute and our NIHR Clinical Research Facility