“I first came to the Quadram Institute to go to a talk about the leaky gut. There I spotted postcards about taking part in research and picked one up. I went home and mentioned it to my husband. He was interested too, so we both got in touch about taking part in research”, says Janet.

Janet continues, “We thought let’s give it a go. We got involved in the MOTION study quite early on. The study is investigating the role of the gut microbiome in ageing.”

Bryan adds, “I’ve heard that there’s not much research where people older than 75 can take part. I’m in my eighties so it was great that I could take part in the MOTION study”.

“I have been involved in research before but more in a listening role, as a public representative looking at studies. But this was the first time I’ve taken part in a research study as a participant” says Janet

“And it’s been my first time taking part in research too, aged 87”, says Bryan.

Faecal samples and friendly faces

“We’re in our fourth year of taking part in the MOTION study. It’s been very interesting. It’s strange to start with because you have to bring a faecal sample and you’re not used to doing that”, says Janet

“The staff at the Quadram Institute are so professional. Taking part in research that involves stool samples sounds a bit off-putting but it’s not,” explains Bryan.

Janet continues, “All the people running the study are very nice and make you feel comfortable. When you arrive, there is someone waiting for you and then you go through to one of the rooms. You sit down and are given a cup of coffee or tea.”

“Along with physical tests including blood tests, the MOTION study also involved cognitive tests.”

Janet explains, “One of the interesting things is the memory test which involves a drawing of lines that join each other at different angles. You think every time I’ll remember that, but six months later it’s tricker than you think.”

Research is key to healthcare

“Taking part in research has opened our attitude to research. I think research is important, but it is a long term project and we’re only a small part of it. At the end of the day, we hope that the contribution we’ve made is consistent and has made a contribution to understanding.”

“Last year was the 75th anniversary of the NHS. I remember the NHS starting when I was a school boy and then it was common to hear of scarlet fever, diphtheria and tuberculosis which were all killers. Now there are more treatments available, thanks to the NHS and research,” reflects Bryan.

Janet continues, “Coming here to do this has opened my eyes to so many things and the other aspects of health that are associated with what’s happening in the gut.”

“I know it’s difficult for researchers to get enough volunteers to take part in research. That’s why we make sure we get here. We’ve both had our professions, and we know that science is other people’s profession here, so we want to help them do their job.”

Our future is you

Byran reflects on learning more about research while being a participant, “I’ve learnt more about how researchers approach studies and the difference staff make.”

“It’s not just a matter of being made to feel welcome, you are an important part of the whole process. Anything we notice that researchers may not, if we mention it, it may help add to the general picture of the study”.

Janet encourages others to take part in research, “Since taking part in the MOTION study I have taken part in other short-term studies at UEA. I will happily take part in future studies too.”

“If you are thinking of being a research participant, I would say do it. We’ve met a lot of very nice people. It’s something very interesting and it will be of value to the researchers.”

“Our future is you. We might not benefit from current research, but hopefully future generations will.”

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