This story is adapted from a video originally filmed on 4 December 2023.
Having spent the majority of his career involved in clinical research, David understood its vital importance. However, he had never experienced it from the other side – as a participant. That changed with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"When the COVID pandemic hit us, it was fairly evident to me that the way forward in the treatment and prevention of this ghastly disease was going to be vaccines," David recalls. Knowing a COVID booster vaccine trial was underway in Portsmouth, he didn't hesitate. "I contacted them and said 'yes please, I would like to volunteer.'"
His first visit to the research site was thorough, involving comprehensive questions about his lifestyle, blood samples to confirm his health, and a full medical examination. Once cleared, he received the allocated vaccine.
The 86-year-old reflects on the importance of taking part in research, “without clinical research in humans, there is no way that anybody can really develop new medicines, be it vaccines or synthetic drugs or new treatments or even new medical equipment."
Beyond the collective benefit, participating offered David a deeply personal reward. "It's been quite beneficial to my mental health to be able to feel that I've made some minuscule contribution to the whole vaccine development programme," he shares.
Watch David’s story
How you can get involved with research
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