Meet the REACT Public Advisors

Why I wanted to be involved

“As an avid international collaborator from an innovation background, I developed an interest in public involvement through lived experience of neurology, cardiology and immunology issues in my family.  I am looking forward to supporting researchers facilitate patient-centric outcomes in their work on the REACT study.”

Why I wanted to be involved

“Whilst shielding at the beginning of the pandemic, I decided to try to help in the fight against COVID-19. It is rewarding to know that my involvement, together with that of the people I have got to know on this journey, is a positive contribution in the search to find solutions to a situation none of us expected or wanted.”

Why I wanted to be involved

"My experiences as a carer for multiple family members with serious medical conditions led to an interest in public involvement and patient engagement. I have worked in operational management, health promotion and disease prevention for the NHS in a non-clinical capacity and am an adult mental health first aider + trainer."

Why I wanted to be involved

“Although we may all have the same diagnosis of an illness, our lived experiences of it will vary, based on who we are, including our ethnicity, gender, age, deprivation or privilege, and personality. These lived experiences are pivotal in the design of any research.”

My experience of being involved

"It has been a privilege, interesting and rewarding to be involved with the REACT study. There is a real sense of cooperation and focus from the public involvement group and the leadership from PERC has been exemplary."

Why I wanted to be involved

“Being involved in a group with a diverse set of skills and social backgrounds has helped me understand different viewpoints and concerns that I would otherwise have not considered.  It has also been a tonic to see so many people working together for the benefit of the wider community.”

Why I wanted to be involved

“I wanted to be involved because I wanted to share my opinion about COVID-19. I've gained an insight on the work that Imperial does, and I'm incredibly grateful to be involved in the group and to know that what I am doing, from sharing my perspectives on the findings to reviewing study material, is beneficial.”

Why I wanted to be involved

“As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded I felt like I wanted to contribute in some form, this opportunity presented itself to me and I felt like it was the perfect opportunity to do something.”

Read about Philippa's personal experience of taking part in the REACT-2 usability pilot in  this blog story  (on LinkedIn).