I am a retired person, enjoying excellent health and taking a great interest in the world around me. For a few years, I’ve been a member of the North-East Research Design Service Consumer Panel and have found that my earlier education in social research methods has been very relevant when reviewing lay summaries of research projects, both orally and in writing. I made my application to join the MIC Insight Panel in December 2020, as I felt that the role would enable me to extend the lay involvement in research that I have found so rewarding.

I live in Saltburn, Cleveland and am pleased to be able to offer a perspective from the extreme south-east of the region. Before the pandemic, I travelled up to Newcastle for Consumer Panel meetings and will be happy to do this again in the future, but meanwhile, I have adapted to virtual meetings and find them a very good way to communicate.

I really am interested in all research topics. I love to learn and am keen to take part in further training for my role. Having been dealt a relatively good hand in life, I enjoy putting something back.