UK Biobank relies on the support of the general public. Here are a few stories of people who have taken part or support UK Biobank. Each recognises the need to do something now to provide a vital resource for scientists in the future.
Mrs Pam Jones of Creigiau, Cardiff, became the 100,000th person to join UK Biobank - putting the project well on target to reach its goal of 500,000 participants by 2010. To mark the landmark occasion, Mrs Jones received a commemorative plaque from the Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan, First Minister of the National Assembly for Wales and Assembly member for Cardiff West. In congratulating Mrs Jones, Mr Morgan, who has taken part in the project, said: “UK Biobank is a great opportunity to do something positive for the health of future generations. To reach 100,000 participants in just a year is a fantastic example of partnership between citizens and researchers.” Pictured below is a copy of the plaque, and, left to right, Professor David Wynford-Thomas, Head of the School of Medicine at Cardiff University, Mrs Pam Jones, UK Biobank’s 100,000th participant, the Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan, First Minister for Wales, and Cardiff University’s Dr John Gallacher, UK Biobank’s academic lead in Wales, commemorate the landmark achievement.
Oxford chiropodist Helen Marshall of Hinksey Hill, became the 1,000th person from the city to sign up for UK Biobank. The mother of three said she felt it was important to do ones bit to fight disease. "My mother had Alzheimer's disease and she was in a research project; they were very helpful when she was ill," said Helen. "I feel that anything that might help find out what causes this terrible disease is a good thing to be involved with." UK Biobank participants undergo a 90-minute assessment when they are asked questions about their lifestyle, and body measurements are taken. They also donate a sample of blood and urine. "It was interesting to do the memory test and, although I know it is not a health check, it was nice to find out you have good, strong bones," she said. UK Biobank opened its recruitment centre in the Westgate Shopping Centre, Oxford in April. Helen and husband Alec's blood samples will be stored at -200oC for the next 30 years and longer.
Carmen Nevers-Crowther, pictured left, was one of the first participants to join UK Biobank. "I heard about it on the news and thought it would be good to be involved with something that will help other people, especially future generations," she said. Her comments were echoed by Matthew Henry, another Manchester participant. "I have taken part in studies before but am curious to see how this project will help cure cancer and various other health conditions." He added: "If it helps the younger people I think that is important too."
Andrew Bennett, pictured, was looking forward to taking part in a major national research programme. "I think it is a good way of helping future generations because UK Biobank could help improve our understanding of a number of different diseases that touch every family in the country."
Mrs Catherine Humphreys, of Thame, said she was motivated in part by wanting to do something to improve the health of her children and grandchildren. "My father, who had diabetes and heart disease, died last year, so I wanted to do it because I felt it would be a good way to assist research, especially when I read that it would be looking at heart disease and diabetes. I have four children, and my daughter, who is having her second baby, has developed gestational diabetes. Their health is important to me. So I have reasons in the past, the present and the future for taking part in UK Biobank."
Ted Monks, from Kent, is pictured with his grandson Jude. Ted lost his wife to motor neurone disease before any of their grandchildren were born. He hopes in years to come UK Biobank will shed more light on the causes and better treatment of this devastating disease. UK Biobank relies on the support of the general public. Here are a few stories of people who have taken part or support UK Biobank. Each recognises the need to do something now to provide a vital resource for scientists in the future.