Last year, we launched our Patient and Public Involvement Panel (PPIP) as part of our continued commitment to fund only the highest quality and patient relevant primary bone cancer research. The success of the panel relies solely on volunteers kindly giving up their time to help. We spoke to Kirsty Hopgood, a volunteer on the panel. Following her own diagnosis of osteosarcoma, Kirsty shares more during Volunteers Week about what difference she hopes to make being a volunteer on the panel.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and why you decided to become a member of PPIP?
My name is Kirsty, I am 33 and was diagnosed with an osteosarcoma in 2019. This is what led me to the BCRT and consequently made me want to be able to give something beyond financial donations. Being a member of PPIP allows me to contribute to an area of the charity I feel very strongly about - progressing knowledge and understanding, to hopefully one day see some improved outcomes for bone cancer patients.
What have you enjoyed most about being a member of PPIP so far and what difference do you hope to make?
I like the core values relating to research being patient-centred. I hope that I can ensure that this message is not lost at any point in the process.
How does it feel to know you are having a real impact on the research funded by the Bone Cancer Research Trust?
It’s nice to know that my personal experience might be able to help in some way.
What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a PPIP member?
You commit the time you can afford to give, and you do not need any medical background. We are the link between lab and real life when research is just an idea, so the real life from different points of view will always add value.
To find out more about our Patient and Public Involvement Panel and how to become a volunteer, please click below: