OVER 5,000 people have taken part in Airedale NHS Foundation Trust research trials during the past five years, figures show.

The trust's research, development and innovation team staged a special coffee morning to thank and celebrate participants.

Guests were invited to share their experiences, and suggest potential future research projects.

The event was held at Keighley rugby union club, in Utley.

Amongst those who addressed the gathering was Mechele Couch-Upite, head of research and innovation at the trust.

She says: "This was the first in-person celebration event we have held since 2019, due to the pandemic, and we wanted to say a huge 'thank you' to all our patients who have participated in research trials.

"In the last five years, we’ve had more than 5,000 participants, and each one of them has helped to provide evidence for new treatments that will shape effective and efficient services for future generations.

"Involvement in the trials and studies benefits participants directly, giving them the opportunity to make new and improved treatment choices, with more and consistent contact time with staff members outside of their regular treatment hours."

Trial participant, Chris Riley, also spoke at the event.

The 65-year-old, from Sutton-in-Craven, has been part of two research projects – the Add-Aspirin cancer study and the GenOMICC study, which uses DNA samples to find new treatments for Covid, sepsis, flu and critical illnesses.

She said: "I thought if I can help somebody else in the future and all I’m doing is taking a tablet every day, it isn’t a huge effort, is it?

"The team isn't asking you to do major things. The very least I could do is take a tablet every day for five years and see what happens at the end of it.

"The study also keeps you in contact with the hospital, and the research team is always very good at making sure you’re alright and happy to continue. Nothing is too much trouble; if there’s an issue, you can ring them and they’ll sort it out for you. The team will try to tie in your study appointments with any hospital appointments too."

The event also featured a raffle – with prizes donated by businesses and the research team – which raised £161, to be split between mental health charity MIND and a Keighley food bank.

For further information about research at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust and how to take part, go to airedale-trust.nhs.uk/our-research-and-innovation/research-and-development