As always, it was my wife who spotted the opportunity for me to get paid a little extra whilst I was doing ad hoc consultancy work and “hanging around” at home too much for her liking. 

So it was with some trepidation that I reached out to Quotient to express an interest in becoming a clinical trial volunteer.

The speed and courtesy of how my online application was dealt with was refreshingly impressive. Within a few days I was sitting in the reception area waiting for my induction which was all very straight forward. A few simple questions and I found myself “active” to apply for studies.

Given my immediate availability, I asked if there were any clinical trials coming up soon. Well, I was introduced to the recruitment team and a very helpful member of staff immediately emailed me that afternoon with 4 studies I might be eligible for.

Some were a couple of days, others a smattering of 2 days over a couple of months and one was 10 days in 1 hit – and the dates for this one worked really well for me.

So, I duly put my name forward for this and after a short set of telephone questions, I was invited to the screening and information session. This was done over 4 hours one morning and the process was simple, logical and reassuring. We were assured the drug had been tested on humans before, and was helping cancer treatments be more targeted and effective. All of a sudden I felt I was actually helping improve a cancer treatment!

I was pleased to meet the study requirements, understood what was expected of me, and was delighted to hear I had been selected for the study. One week later, on a Sunday evening, I packed for my first stay at Quotient. Packing was a lot easier than the usual holiday stresses – simple indoor stuff, ipad, laptop, book and chargers.

On arrival I was shown into the ward where 6 other volunteers were settling into their berths – I had a corner bed with bedside storage and sockets in easy reach. We all kept ourselves busy and the team duly briefed us of the processes.  That evening we had bloods taken and an ECG to be sure all was good before dosing day. One of the chaps had a heart rhythm outside the study guidelines – and he had to head home. I can see why a couple of extra volunteers are recruited for each study – stuff happens. The safety of the participants is not compromised.

The living quarters comprised the ward with around 10 beds – but we were only 6 so it was nice and spaced out and a dedicated lounge for us as well as some more communal areas. The lounge had running supply of water, juice and hot water for tea and coffee (decaf), a TV with Sky channels (movies and sports) and 2 Xboxes. There was a daily supply of papers and we had our meals in there too.

Dosing day felt quite hospital like. Lots of staff on duty and great care taken in how we were each dosed. Taking the test medicine involved drinking a small bottle of liquid (the drug) washed down with some water. The test was to see how quickly the drug worked its way out of the body and if there were any side effects (we were told of the expected ones which were the usual headache etc. – by the way none of us suffered any side effects). So the team were capturing what left our bodies (#1s and #2s) and using trace radioactive tagging could tell when our bodies had expelled the drug. All very clever.

In the first 24 hours it was busy with monitoring tests – bloods and ECG taken 3 or 4 times. Day 2 eased off a bit and by day 5 we were down to one set of bloods each morning and that was it. The rest of the days were there to fill as we each wished. Throughout it was only 5 minutes here and there to do the necessary tests and take bloods – hardly an inconvenience.

My cohorts were all very friendly, each seasoned Quotient professionals. “This one will pay for my son’s car” said one of the chaps. We were all there for the extra money – but it was a nice way to “earn” it.  WiFi was great and we all managed to do as much work as we each needed to. After that it was binging on Netflix, Sky, iplayer or other TV material, in the lounge or on the ipad. Filling the days became quite easy.

We soon became creatures of habit, salivating at 8.30am, 12.30pm and 6.30pm in readiness for our breakfast, lunch and dinner.

All in all it was a very comfortable experience and at no point did I feel in any way unsafe or uncomfortable. The team were all very attentive and thoughtful (even sorting us blokes out some Valentines Cards in case we had forgotten!).  My natural embarrassment soon ebbed away and the way we collected samples and did our thing was all done privately and kept our dignity intact.

An unexpected side effect was, after dry January, another 10 days booze free but this time no caffeine too. I slept really well!! It was also a really relaxing 10 days so I feel physically and mentally recharged. Some may call it a spa break!

An added bonus? My better half and kids were pleased to see me home and I get to look forward to a nice payment in a couple of weeks – I’m sure my wife has already decided what it will be spent on. What’s not to like? I’ll be back.

Thank you Team Quotient.

At 52, single with a young family to inspire I didn’t have a clue how I was going to fulfil my dreams and ambitions of being a driving instructor.

Lucky for me a friend recommend signing up to do a study at Quotient Sciences and I haven’t looked back!

I had no idea what to expect and as I wondered through the wards of the clinic in my bright orange polo shirt, I asked myself ‘what the heck am I doing here - missing my daughter’s prom for this?’ This was to be the first of some big events in my family’s life that I would miss due to the commitments of a clinical trial.

But, as I went on my Quotient Sciences journey missing birthdays and hair appointments, I gained so much more.

I was able to stand on my own two feet financially, showing the girls that you can be an independent woman and have it all. My inconvenience allowance also helped me book holidays in Spain this year to catch up with family!

As I qualified as a driving instructor last year, I realised that it was all down to the handful of studies that I carefully chose to take part in at Quotient Sciences.

The time spent here has definitely been worth it – with me teaching my daughter how to drive it has given us some really precious times together.

From screening, admission, dosing and discharge, I do feel like a hero. All the initial health checks are a welcome addition to my busy life, and while most women my age aren’t as healthy as me, I feel lucky to be able to take part in these studies.

With the hustle and bustle of WhatsApp groups and Facebook events, I welcome the guilt free time I spend in the clinic. Quiz, bingo and crafting sessions are a welcome addition and help pass the time. We have had some really fun sessions and I have made some really good lifelong friends.

With a new year and resolutions already broken – the food here is very hearty – no small portions. There isn’t a chance of dodging the cornflake tart with custard – or jam sponge puddings (sorry not sorry for licking the bowl). I feel I can indulge in my favourite box sets and take advantage of the three meals that are freshly prepared, cooked and delivered to the ward daily. No house chores, no meetings, just time spent thinking how I am going to spend my allowance.

It’s a really rewarding thing to do and while money is my driving factor, I do feel good for doing good. If you want to do something new and exciting this year – do a study with Quotient Sciences! You definitely won’t regret it.

My name is Joe, I’m 25 and from Nottingham. I’ve just completed my second clinical trial at Quotient Sciences.

I’ve always loved going on holiday and the thought of travelling has always been on my mind, I just had one problem - I am not very good at saving money!

Early in 2017, I decided this was my year to get away and I decided I wanted to go and spend the summer, or at least the majority of it, in Ibiza! I love the island but the only thing holding me back was financing my trip.

I asked my dad to help me. The following week, he came home from watching a Nottingham Forest football match and said he had seen an advert inviting volunteers to take part in paid clinical trials. I completed an application form for volunteering at Quotient and promptly had a reply to come to the clinic for an induction to find out more about what’s involved. I was a bit nervous at first and wasn’t sure if it would be for me, but all the staff were so welcoming and explained everything in great detail and I had plenty of chances to ask any questions I had. The nerves soon went and after a month or so, I was taking part in my first clinical trial.

During my time at the clinic, I thought I might be bored but there really is so much to do - there is an Xbox, PlayStation, Sky TV, board games and a ping pong table that we used for tournaments. Elaine, the Volunteer Liaison Officer, organises activities such as bingo, quizzes and crafts. During my first trial in the summer we even got to go on walks in Rushcliffe Country Park next door to the clinic which was amazing. If you want, you can literally lay in bed and spend the days relaxing - the actual medical procedures are only a small part of the time spent at the clinic.

I’m not a fussy eater at all but if you are, there are always several options for breakfast, lunch and tea. I eat a lot but whilst at Quotient I never felt hungry - the food is always to a good standard and the chefs are great.

I made some great friends during my time on the study, a few of them I even keep in contact with now via social media. There were people of all ages and backgrounds so it was a great opportunity to get to know people and we all had some great laughs. For anyone who is looking for a great way to earn some money for doing something that is not only fun and exciting but also very rewarding, I would say go for it.

I am already looking forward to my next trial and being financially and emotionally rewarded - in turn, it means I can plan my next travelling trip or a long holiday.

My name is Jacky and I love going on adventures.

I heard about Quotient seven years ago on the radio and I decided to give it a go. Not knowing much about clinical research and drug development process, I was a little apprehensive about taking part and so were my children. But the more I found out about the process and regulations in clinical trials conduct, I realised, I had nothing to worry about. It also helped that the other volunteers at Quotient and the staff were all lovely, even the food was freshly cooked and tasty (we all love the chef).

I have participated in over eight trials now and will keep doing them for as long as I am eligible. Some people ask me why I take part in clinical trials and when I explain how my contribution helps to bring new medicines to market, they tell me I’m a silent hero. I do medical trials because I know any pioneering treatment found for any medical condition is a good thing and I am proud of how I contribute. The money I get paid is also very welcome.

I have made many friends and we have made fun things in Elaine's craft sessions, her quiz, bingo and board game sessions have made us laugh until we've cried. At the moment I am on a trial with some of the friends I have made (Hi girls… love you all). This is a very well paid trial and if you’re wondering what I’m planning to spend the money on – well, let me tell you…. I am funding my next adventure… My African adventure. I'm going to attempt to climb Kilimanjaro in February next year.  I want to climb it because it's there and I need to do it before I get too old. I have been walking for many years with a lovely walking group. I've hiked "The West Highland Way" and I've dragged my son up many mountains, but Kilimanjaro is by far our biggest challenge.  Kilimanjaro at 5,895 metres is the world’s highest free-standing Mountain.

I have a sister, who is suffering from cancer so I've decided to try and get sponsorship for Cancer Research Charity. We have a Just Giving page and if you would like to contribute please click here. Any sponsorship will be greatly appreciated.

If anyone would like to know more about my climb please feel free to ask me questions. I will do an update blog when I have completed my challenge for anyone interested in knowing how I've done. I will also give you my sponsorship grand total.

Well, that's it from me for now. Thank you for reading.

My name is Dan and I am a 36 years old from Nottingham.

The first I heard about clinical trials was when I asked a work colleague where he’d been on holiday. When he said ‘Ruddington’ I was slightly confused. After explaining that he’d been on a clinical trial at Quotient, I soon had an appointment booked for my induction.

I won’t lie… What first attracted me to volunteering, was being able to do nothing and get paid for it. It wasn’t until I learned more about Quotient and the development of new drugs that I realised I was actually helping people.

With each study, you are given an in-depth information session to make sure you are completely aware of what you are volunteering for. You also get a health check to make sure you’re fit for the study. During the trial, volunteers are well looked after by doctors, nurses, technicians and of course a chef. All staff make you feel that you’re in safe hands, from the information session right through to discharge.

I always look forward to my next study. To catch up on sleep and whatever TV box set I may be behind on. It’s not often that you’re (voluntarily) forced to share a ward and a lounge with complete strangers, but it’s a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. The WIFI, TVs, pool tables, games and weekly bingo/quiz help pass the time.

I understand people can be sceptical about taking part in clinical trials. But without volunteers we can’t develop drugs to help those who need them. A feeling that became very personal when my mother was diagnosed with cancer. By the time she was diagnosed, I’d already been involved in two cancer studies. I’d like to think that I have, in some way, indirectly helped her to become clear of cancer today. You’re welcome mum!

Quotient’s devoted volunteer, Nick, tells us why he decided on the highly ambitious challenge “Cycle to Iran”, raising money for the Médecins Sans Frontières. He also shares how taking part in clinical trials with us helped him to save the extra cash for I ran away with the circus in 1990 or rather, it ran away with me.

Over the three seasons I was with them we toured the UK, Europe and, on one occasion, played a week long residency at Timna Park in the Negev Desert in Southern Israel where I felt a strange sense of belonging and an affinity I was unable to explain. Ten years later when I was forty, I met my birth mother for the first time since being adopted at only four months old. She was finally able to explain to me that Hamid Hamidi, who I was only aware of as being the name given on my adoption certificate as my father’s, was Iranian and that you couldn’t see him for dust when he heard about my imminent arrival. At the time, he was studying in London to become a dermatologist and my mother helped him with his English. As time went by I became increasingly curious about whether I would experience similar feelings if I were to visit his country but had no clear idea of how to do this. Following some minor surgery which required an overnight stay in hospital six years ago, I unexpectedly and spontaneously stopped smoking cigarettes. I had been a committed, heavy smoker for my entire adult life and overnight, I abruptly stopped. As happens to many other quitters I had begun to pile on weight. Three years after stopping I had become obese and feared I was on the way to ill-health and an early demise.

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The beautiful scenery in the hills surrounding Nick's home town of Hebden Bridge

A very good friend had spotted this worrying trend and intervened, encouraging me to take long walks amid the beautiful scenery in the hills surrounding our home town of Hebden Bridge. But my enjoyment of these walks was often marred by chronic back pain due to carrying all the extra weight, so he persuaded me to fettle an unused bike that had been knocking around my flat for a couple of years. Those first few rides took some effort but I quickly realised that my range had more than doubled compared to walking and that the rewards were fantastic. After a few weeks I found myself able to cycle up our steep valley sides and onto the moorland to explore the many quarries and reservoirs and to enjoy the wildlife and flora of these open spaces. As my enjoyment grew I realised that this bike was too small for me and that I should get another, bigger and better one to pursue my new found passion. I started visiting Blazing Saddles, my local bike shop, where they helped me pick a bike and allowed me to save up to buy it. By February of 2014 I was the proud owner of a brand new Orange Clockwork Pro. My range instantly doubled again and I was hooked! In the three years that I’ve been walking and cycling I have slimmed down considerably and am much healthier and happier.

As 2015 wore on I found myself facing the prospect of needing to find somewhere else to live but felt unwilling to commit to another long term, high rent let. With homelessness a real possibility I started thinking about which direction to go with life, not so much an existential crisis but a crossroads, an opportunity maybe to choose another path. It was during this time that the idea to cycle to Iran was conceived and I started planning how to go about it. I needed a touring bike, clothing, camping gear, the ability to cook and obtain drinking water and, of course, the ability to finance being away for several months. I also needed to find someone else to look after my IT clients while I was away. Divesting my work obligations meant an untimely reduction of income so I started looking for ways to make up for the shortfall.

The beautiful scenery in the hills surrounding Nick's home town of Hebden Bridge

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Since February Nick has undertaken trips of increasing distance and duration and have gradually loaded the bike with all his kit

I recalled that someone I once knew earned extra cash by taking part in clinical drug studies and so started looking for companies which undertook such studies. One such company was Quotient Clinical based near Ruddington, south of Nottingham. Quotient offered a number of clinical trials with attractive remuneration and I set about applying to participate in one of them. An induction day was arranged where I visited their facilities and was shown around before subjecting to a screening where my vitals and ECG were measured and samples taken. As it happens, I wasn’t invited onto that first clinical study as the requirements are very strict and one of my measurements was out of the required range. In fact, over the following weeks I attended several more screenings but was unable to participate. I was close to giving up when they finally invited me to participate in a clinical trial which also saw me being released before dosing had taken place. It was hard to continue at this point but I summoned the will to try again and this time I was successful in gaining a place on a study consisting of a ten night stay which I successfully completed. I was fortunate to meet some very hard working members of staff who have earned my admiration and also the other volunteers, some of whom I have maintained contact with since. Tomorrow I will complete a second clinical trial which has consisted of eight visits to the unit, a screening visit and seven three night stays. This has taken just over three months to complete but will supply most of the money I need to subsist during my cycling adventure. If anyone reading this has ever wondered about taking part in paid clinical trials and remains undecided, then I can wholeheartedly recommend that they arrange to visit Quotient for a screening, your expenses will be paid for plus an additional amount to make it worthwhile.

I made sacrifices by moving out of a high rent apartment in Hebden Bridge and into lodgings in neighbouring Todmorden. I started to live frugally and became focused on making this hare-brained scheme a reality. By the end of December, I had paid for a new touring bike and was well on the way to obtaining the rest of the kit I needed when disaster struck when, on Boxing Day, widespread record breaking and catastrophic flooding inundated the Calder Valley. Many local businesses, including the bike shop and the place where I had stored my belongings, were wiped out by the worst river flood ever to have been recorded. So many people lost their homes, businesses and livelihood and were facing a very uncertain future. Suddenly the focus had shifted and my plans had to be put on hold while helping the local community clean up the terrible mess that the river had left behind. People’s possessions lined the streets and there was mud everywhere. The effort of such a great number of people from all over the country was overwhelming and heartwarming, kitchens and temporary accommodations were set up, along with food banks and stores of donated household items. At some point during the first few days after the flood, the realisation dawned on me that I too had lost many of my possessions, those which had been placed into storage but although my new bike, which had yet to be assembled, had been submerged, the good folks at the bike shop were able to rescue it and about six weeks later than planned, supplied a new touring bike which I was eager to try out.

Since February Nick has undertaken trips of increasing distance and duration and have gradually loaded the bike with all his kit

Since February I have undertaken trips of increasing distance and duration and have gradually loaded the bike with all my kit. My strength and fitness is such that I feel that I’m ready to depart and in a few short weeks, will ride to Hull to board the Rotterdam ferry and embark on this adventure.

It might even happen that I discover what became of my father and maybe trace some family members. Who knows? I have already made some progress in this respect, but that’s a story yet to be told.

I have decided to combine this journey to Iran by raising money for the heroic Médecins Sans Frontières who place themselves into situations of the utmost danger in order to be able to help others.

Follow my adventures on my Facebook page.

Author: Nick from Hebden Bridge

My name is Scott Preston and I have been volunteering with Quotient Sciences for 23 years. 

I’ve participated in over 50 clinical trials to date. My journey with Quotient Sciences started in 1994, when I noticed a small advert, in the Nottingham Post newspaper, recruiting volunteers for clinical studies. I didn’t know anyone who participated in medical research but I was curious to find out more.

In the beginning, it was simply out of interest and a good way to earn some extra money. Back then Quotient Sciences, or Pharmaceutical Profiles as it was called at the time, was just two small units at Highfields Science Park. There was only one bed, one TV lounge, pizza delivery for dinner and no overnight studies conducted.

22 years later, Quotient Sciences operates out of purpose-built facilities including six wards, TV lounges with Xboxes, a DVD library, an impressive selection of books and much more.

Why I keep coming back?

Taking part in a clinical trial means you are doing your bit for science, contributing towards the development of future medicines. Besides that, it really is a great way to get some guilt-free time to relax, away from daily worries and speed of life. Walking through the doors at Quotient Sciences is like taking your feet of life’s escalator – and walking into a place where I feel totally at home.

I feel well looked after at Quotient Sciences, with staff always ready to assist. There are daily freshly cooked meals and a variety of entertainment including bingo and quiz sessions. It is like being on an all-inclusive holiday with some additional money in your pocket afterwards. And so, I frequently recommend taking part in clinical trials at Quotient Sciences to my friends and family. My typical day on a trial is pretty laidback and drug dosing is only a small part of it. I spend most of my time socialising, taking part in games or getting some valuable ‘me’ time which I never get the chance to have in the outside world. Over the years I have met a variety of interesting people including teachers, professors, vicars and entrepreneurs; and they all have had one thing in common – the drive to make a difference. Some of them have remained my friends and we still keep in touch, sharing our similar open-minded attitude to life.

I feel proud to be able to play a part in helping to advance medicine. I have a young family myself and if taking part in studies meant I might be able to help another generation, I am really proud to do so. During my 23 years on the panel I have done a range of clinical trials – some long, some short stay and a few radiation studies. Everyone participating on the trial always agrees that they can’t wait to do the next one. I have never met anyone who said they wouldn’t do another one – a great testament to the hard working staff at Quotient Sciences. Being a volunteer is something I hope to continue doing for many years to come. I live a healthy lifestyle and enjoy the social aspect that each trial brings. I have completed over 50 clinical trials over the years since I have been on the panel and hope to do another one when after my latest wash out period comes to an end.

I don't understand where all the stereotypes come from regarding clinical trials, I can guarantee you, if you have heard something bad, it's not true!

If I'm being totally honest though, I did have some of the same doubts you may have. However, rest assured it's honestly a pressure free environment. You will get the opportunity not only to receive an allowance for taking part, but to potentially help people who are really suffering.

The test medicine in my trial was intended for treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Sounds heavy I know, but it's basically an incurable disease and something that a lot of people suffer from. The medicine I would be testing should help control it, and hopefully make life easier for those with it.

The trial would last for 18 consecutive days, with a couple of return visits. I honestly had a breezy experience. I will admit, there are a few downsides - you have to get up early, you have to share a large room with other people, which unfortunately sometimes includes 'snorers' and regular blood tests are involved. There will be occasions where some people do feel mildly unwell, such as a headache or similar, this didn't apply for me, but this is never given the opportunity to worsen as your health is of the most importance; that is something you can be assured of.

The food was great, this is what surprised me most. One of the things that came to my mind when doing this trial was that I was worried I would be super bored, but there is loads of things to keep you occupied - like organized games, quizzes and events. You will also find that everyone feels the same way as you do, so you can really connect with people, there were countless times we would end up playing a board game for hours. If you are anything like me, I love a good binge watch, and this is the best opportunity to get some much-needed box set coverage in. On the other hand, like a lot of people, if you have an essay to write or revising to do, it's a great opportunity for that to. Finally, of course, once you have finished, you receive your 'Inconvenience allowance', paid directly into your bank account.

It really is an all-rounder experience and something I will definitely do again, it's a great way to receive extra income, and be a help to society in some way. If you are reading this wondering what to do, don't hesitate - I get you may be worried but there is no need to be and sometimes you just need to hear someone say it!