After years of falls and fatigue, a local study helped her rebuild strength, lose weight, and step back into daily life with confidence.
Sue Renshaw, age 72 from Leicester, had experienced several falls and had was also living with arthritis and leukaemia. After experiencing some further worrying symptoms, Sue was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.
One of the doctors asked Sue if she would like to be part of the Holistic study.
She said: “Everyone I spoke to was so welcoming, so supportive and made sure I understood everything about taking part. Being able to speak to all of those experts in one place was very helpful.
“They talked me through the exercises and dietary changes, which were all covered in the handbook and were very easy to follow at home.”
“I feel so much better since taking part. I’ve lost six kilograms in weight, increased my muscle mass and most importantly, my strength.
“I wasn’t leaving the house at all before taking part in the study, but I’m gaining strength and confidence, and am now walking down the road, walking outside further every day.”
“I hope the booklet and approach is rolled out to more people, and helps them too.”
When asked if she would encourage more people to take part in research, Sue said: “I’d day do it. You have to be committed to taking part in all of the sessions but it could help you! It’s been a very positive experience for me, everyone’s been amazing.”
Be Part of Research is a free service which makes it easy to find and take part in vital health and care research across the UK.
Simply tell which health conditions you’re interested in and you will be matched to suitable studies and receive the information on how to take part.
Sign up to hear about opportunities to take part in Leicester through the Research Registry.