I smelt fresh coffee for the first time in 10 years’: Alan’s life changing research experience

Alan Towse, 74, who lives with his wife Linda, in Bramhall, Stockport, enjoys photography and upon his retirement developed an interest in beekeeping. Now, thanks to research, he can once again smell the honey he produces. 

Almost 12 years ago Alan developed a constant runny nose, lost his sense of smell and taste and started to suffer from headaches. 

After undergoing tests, he was diagnosed with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, a condition that causes severe inflammation in the sinuses and nose. 

He was prescribed nasal sprays along with steroid tablets but they did not work for him and Alan felt really despondent after suffering for so many years. In addition, he had a fear of hospitals which affected how he engaged with healthcare and he was too scared to undergo surgery offered to patients with the condition. 

However, about 18 months ago, Alan was approached by the research team at Stepping Hill Hospital, part of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, to see if he wanted to go on a clinical trial looking at a new treatment option. 

The study, supported by the NIHR Research Delivery Network, involved participants being given either the research drug or a placebo administered by injection. Alan agreed to take part in the study, generously donating his time to attend appointments each month for one-and-a-half years. 

Different participants are likely to have different experiences when taking part in research. However, following a couple of months on the study, Alan began to regain his sense of smell and taste, which greatly improved his quality of life.

He said: “It's the simple things. I smelt fresh coffee for the first time in 10 years, I can smell the onions cooking on the Christmas markets. It has improved my life so much. I would urge anyone who has the chance to go on a research study to do it and I hope others can benefit.”

As part of his involvement, Alan also completed a daily diary on a provided mobile device. On completing the diary questionnaires, he said: “After a couple of days, it became very familiar, answering the questions to measure my smell and taste and it only took around 7 or 8 minutes to complete.”

Abigail Pemberton, the Clinical Research Nurse working on the trial at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“We are very grateful to patients like Alan who donate their time to help future patients by improving the treatment options available through research. It is very rewarding as a research nurse when you can offer patients, especially the ones who have exhausted all treatments, hope and then see the direct benefits.

“Alan benefited by taking part in research by helping himself and exploring other treatment options available through research. We have seen how his symptoms have improved greatly since being on the study. The process has also helped him to overcome or face his fears of hospitals, which can only be a good thing, giving him the confidence to engage in healthcare services in the future.

“Thank you Alan for dedicating over a year of your time whilst on the study and attending every visit, it is much appreciated. Knowing that you had a good experience whilst on the study and would get involved in future research makes it all worthwhile.”