Mary Aspinall
I am a former administrator in the NHS, and have participated in several clinical trials, during which I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. I was invited along with others to form the LAPBR, to use my experiences to comment on new research studies. I was keen to join this panel, in part as I would like for more people to come forward and take part in clinical trials.
I am married but without any family, and my hobbies include line dancing (which keeps one fit and is excellent exercise) and gardening. I am also involved with the activities of the church.
Christine Barton
A former teacher and lecturer I am now quadriplegic and have personal experience of osteoporosis. I am passionate about enabling disabled people to achieve their human rights and work both locally and nationally to improve their opportunities to have choice and control. Without research there would be no positive changes in health care and I welcome chances to help influence its direction and the way it takes place.
In my personal life I enjoy gardening, cooking and reading and being with my partner, children and grandchildren.
Cressida Brennan
Biography coming soon
Alan Carter
A retired Local Government Officer and, more recently, a Chartered Company Secretary, I was invited to join the Panel as a direct consequence of having a hip replacement operation, which was performed at the Northern General Hospital. I required extensive reconstructive surgery because of the associated complexities and my recovery is proving to be a long process, but one which has been greatly assisted by the surgeon’s skill and beneficial hydrotherapy and physiotherapy sessions at the NGH. I am appreciative, and so duly supportive, of all aspects of the NHS and being a part of the LAPBR offers me an opportunity to give back something as a personal contribution to the important work of the Bone Research Unit.
Sandra Chamberlain
Although now retired, my working life involved being in the legal and financial sectors and latterly a book-keeper. I have had two joints replaced and feel that this experience gives me an insight into how patients feel about bone diseases such as osteoporosis and arthritis. Being a member of this Panel means that I may, in some small way, be able to influence how research is presented to the public and thereby removing some of its mystique.
On a more personal note I enjoy reading, gardening and embroidery.
Jean Henderson
I am a former Metropolitan Organiser of the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) and I was heavily involved with hospital projects as well as being a founder member of the NHS patient’s council interested in osteoporosis and bone research. I am a member of the police authority custody visiting scheme, on the witness service at the Sheffield Crown Court.
I have a daughter who is profoundly deaf, and so I have become involved with the deaf community, sitting on the committee of the Hear Again charity. I also enjoy a number of hobbies, including sugar craft and decoupage.
Tony Holmes
Biography coming soon
Margaret Maxfield
A former lecturer in Further Education, I was diagnosed with osteoporosis after three separate falls resulted in fractures. My work as a volunteer for Arthritis Research and Cancer charities made me realise the importance of research in helping people to achieve a reasonable life beyond the disability. It is for this reason that I was delighted to join the LAPBR and be given the chance to become actively involved in bone research.
I am a member of Milhouses Methodist Church and enjoy reading, writing, history, music and spending time with friends.
Christine Tomlinson
I was left an incomplete paraplegic as the result of a road traffic accident in 1961. At that time I had been studying to become a pharmacist. Post accident, I worked as a laboratory technician and as a civil servant. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis at a relatively early age.
My role as a volunteer has taken many guises. I feel that it is incumbent on me to articulate and offer support to those who may feel unable to fight their cause. I have always had a thirst for knowledge; this has helped in both my role on the LAPBR and as a lay member of the Sheffield Musculoskeletal BioBank steering committee.
Susan Wilson
I am a former nurse at the NGH and a magistrate on the Sheffield Bench. I have some osteoporosis and have been involved in several clinical trials. I strongly feel that research is the way forward in finding new treatments and I am glad to take part. I am a Public Governor of the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Trust, and I am pleased to be the Governor representative on the LAPBR. I appreciate having the opportunity to hear about current research proposals and outcomes.
My family is now grown up and we enjoy spending time with them and our grandchildren, here and in the USA. We enjoy travelling, and locally we are involved with the miniature railway line in Ecclesall Woods.
