Greater Manchester Research Champion - Nicola's story
Nicola Jeffrey Sykes from Saddleworth is a Research Champion for the National Institute for Health Research, Clinical Research Network, Greater Manchester.
Research Champions are patients, carers and members of the public who promote and influence health research from a patient point of view. They help to ensure that people using NHS services in their area are aware of opportunities to take part in research, and that the research meets the needs of the patient population.
Nicola has extensive experience in this field having been on several trials for asthma and experiencing health problems herself.
She has been on five trials for different asthma drugs and inhalers, and now is on a trial for a new asthma drug. She says: “Taking part in research helps you to take control of your health - it’s you who knows you best.”
At the age of 52, the former business entrepreneur noticed changes in her body, blood in her urine and changes in her breasts.
Her GP sent her urgently to Royal Oldham Hospital and after a few months of tests she was diagnosed with malignant breast cancer.
Soon after she had a mastectomy. Complications from this led to a stint in ICU and 34 months later the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and colon. This then led to cancer in the uterus and a hysterectomy.
After going through radiotherapy at The Christie, Nicola is now doing really well and is looking forward to embracing the role as ambassador.
Nicola is passionate about research and the difference it makes. She says: “I am here today because of the NHS and research. I would recommend anyone to get involved because all of the medicines and treatments we have today are a result of people like us taking part in research trials.
"We all have the ability to help make patients – and the NHS – better by taking part in clinical trials which could have a huge impact on our health care now and for the future health of generations to come.”
