Children and their families have enjoyed a fun filled day out as a thank you for their involvement in research.
Over 100 families were invited to join the Isle of Wight Study Team at Tapnell Farm in appreciation for their commitment to the important research studies led by the David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre at St. Mary’s Hospital.
The families have been part of 2 studies. The 3rd Generation Study and the MAPS/ITEC study. The 3rd Generation are the children of the world renowned Isle of Wight Birth Cohort which is being studied to follow the natural history of asthma and allergic disease. At least 1 of their parents was born on the Isle of Wight between January 1989 and February 1990. The MAPS/ITEC children are involved in different aspects of a study which aims to prevent children becoming allergic to the house dust mite, which is responsible for a lot of allergic disease.
Both of these studies are producing important findings and the Research Team has recently been awarded two research grants to enable them to follow up the children.
Dr Elinor Jenkins, Research Nurse Manager at the David Hide Asthma and Allergy Centre, said:
“Without our families agreeing to participate in our important research we simply wouldn’t know anywhere near as much as we do and be able to predict, prevent and treat asthma and allergic diseases in others. We are always incredibly grateful to them all for giving up their time and helping us with this important work.
“It only feels right to give something back and we thought that Tapnell Farm would make a great day out for all the family, and it did. Everyone had a lovely day and it was an opportunity to say thank you to everyone for helping us make our research studies the success they are.”
The Tapnell Farm staff ensured that the children enjoyed the indoor and outdoor activities. They also had the opportunity to pet some of the various animals and watch them being fed.
The current research taking place at the David Hide Centre includes ‘Breathing Together’, a new study looking at the development of asthma in young children. All women who are currently pregnant or have just had a child are invited to participate. For more information contact the David Hide Asthma & Allergy Research Centre on 01983-530786 or email [email protected]. You can also visit https://www.allergyresearch.org.uk/studies/breathing-together-study/.
