11 November 2024
The 47-year-old took part because of his desire to help others. The study assesses if patients take their blood pressure medication as prescribed through urine samples. Jon regularly takes the medicines Ramipril and Amlodipine to manage his high blood pressure.
He was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure in 2023. Jon is currently on the transplant list at St Helier Hospital, and he receives dialysis three times a day to remove waste products and excess fluid from his blood.
Jon, who is based in south-west London, said: "High blood pressure and kidney disease are both hidden illnesses.
"I had regular check ups with a research nurse as part of my involvement in the OUTREACH study. I would provide her with information about my blood pressure readings. The nurse would check them during the appointment, retake my blood pressure, and then ask me to give a urine sample.
"The sheer exhaustion has been a real struggle, especially as I work full-time. However, I am not going to let my high blood pressure and kidney disease get in the way of my life.
"There will be challenging moments, but I have to battle through them. I try to keep as positive as I can."
The father-of-one said that dreaming of taking his daughter, Charlotte, abroad is getting him through.
"Charlotte is aware of my illness and isn't fazed. My focus is very much on just being there for her. We go out together and explore. I like taking her to theme parks and having picnics with her."
- Jon Cook
High blood pressure is a condition that affects more than one in four adults in England, according to Gov.UK. It can strain the heart and the blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage, and death.
According to the NHS, chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work effectively. The NHS estimates it only progresses to kidney failure in around 2 in 100 people with the condition.
The OUTREACH study was Jon's first time taking part in research. Jon, a Digital Marketing Manager, wants to help improve future care for others through research. He said:
"I am passionate about doing whatever I can to improve blood pressure and kidney care. I urge others to do the same, as it is the only way we can help researchers advance care, treatments and diagnosis."
How you can get involved with research
Sign up to Be Part of Research to be contacted about a range of health and care research. Or check out our full list of studies to see if one is right for you.
And if taking part in a study doesn’t feel right at the moment there are other ways to get involved in research.
