The volunteer

After a career in IT spanning 30 years, Jeff recently retired from his position as director of a marketing company. After a close friend was affected by a rare neurological condition he decided to do all that he could to help research. Jeff said, "When one of my colleagues at work began to suffer from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) it was just so hard to know what to do. I wanted to help in some way, but until I became a volunteer on the MindSearch database there was no way to find about research projects that I could take part in." Since then Jeff has participated in a number of studies including having a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan as part of a study investigating spinal cord changes in MND. "The researchers here have all been very friendly and I feel like I've helped in some small way. Last time I did a study they even gave me a picture of my brain to take home!"

Although not the main reason Jeff participates in research studies, it is a nice addition that he is paid for his time. "For me the system works very well. A researcher might phone me up once a month and tell me about a project they're doing, what it will involve, how much I'll get paid.. then I can ask questions or decide whether or not to take part." When he filled out his details, Jeff was able to indicate what sort of studies he'd be willing to consider. "I don't have any problems with enclosed spaces and I don't have any metal in my body so I was happy to take part in MRI scanning studies, but I've never been a big fan of needles so I made sure not to tick that particular box!"

"I live quite close to Camberwell so I can come in most days, but in the past they've been very flexible. I've been offered evening appointments or even weekends, they're very good at fitting it all in around my time." Since joining the MindSearch database he's recommended it to several of his friends and family who have also taken part in a number of studies.