Why did you decide to take part?

“I do it because I’m fit and healthy & suddenly had a stroke. If it can happen to me it can happen to anyone. If we can have a drug out there that can stop it happening again to me or anyone else that would be brilliant. If we didn’t try things we’d never get the new things to help anybody & what if it’s hereditary, you could be helping your own children.”

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What do you have to do?

“I have two bottles of tablets, one marked Rivaroxaban & one marked aspirin, but one or other is a placebo, for two years. I see Adrienne every 3-4 months with a yearly review. Also I can call her anytime I have a problem or need help with anything. I keep them informed of if anything happens. They look after my whole health.”

 

What are the benefits of taking part to you?

“It gives you two years of being assessed & looked after really. I can only describe it as having a crutch. I’ve been looked after & monitored while I’m feeling like a rabbit in the headlights. I think if I hadn’t been seeing Adrienne (Stroke research nurse) they wouldn’t have diagnosed my heart condition. I see that as real pay back for taking part in the study.”

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What would you say to anyone thinking about taking part in research?

“Definitely do it. I see no negative. If it helps somebody else  after me all well & good. You’re closely monitored so you feel you’re well looked after.”