For people in Wales, Our Future Health’s arrival is a chance to make sure their communities are represented in future health research.  

According to a report by the Welsh Government, the number of people living with a major illness in Wales is estimated to rise to 556,000 by 2040 – an increase of more than a third.

Our Future Health is on a mission to bring people together so researchers can find new ways to prevent, detect, and treat disease.  

We visited our clinic in Cardiff to hear from the people there already taking part.  

‘I was so happy when I heard clinics had opened in Wales’

Carl Riley, 39, is a builder from Church Village. He first heard about Our Future Health while listening to BBC Radio 2. 

“When I signed up initially, clinics were only open in England,” said Carl. “I was so happy when a month or so ago I got an email saying there were clinics opening in Wales, and I booked my appointment straightaway.  

“It’s important to take part in health research like this because it could benefit future generations – I’ve got two girls, so any help they can get down the line would be a very good thing.  

“My daughters are 5 and 3. The eldest has reached the age where she has an awareness of death and keeps asking me when I’m going to die. I always reassure her that it won’t be for a very long time.  

“While I’m here, I want to be as healthy as possible so we can go out riding our bikes, and go on holidays, and keep having fun all together. You can only really do all that if you’re healthy – in body and in mind.” 

Following his appointment, Carl says he has useful information about himself that will help him to make healthy lifestyle choices. 

“I’m very lucky that I don’t have a family history of any serious illnesses,” he said. “Both my parents and my in-laws have lived long and happy lives. But you never know what’s around the corner, so the more information we can all get, the better.”

‘It was all really easy – I was in and out in 20 minutes’

47-year-old Eleanor Hudd is an NHS nutrition secretary from Dinas Powys. She also attended her Our Future Health appointment in Cardiff. 

“As soon as I heard about the programme, I wanted to take part to help future studies,” said Eleanor. “I work in the NHS, and have a family history of diabetes, so this felt like an opportunity to learn about my own health, both today and potentially in the future.” 

Like Carl, Eleanor had her own daughter in mind when joining Our Future Health. “She’s 12, so I’m hopeful this contributes to more preventative healthcare for her as she goes through life.  

“Having clinics in Wales is brilliant, too. It’s important that everyone is represented in the data that’s collected so health researchers can make discoveries that we all benefit from. 

“It only took me about a quarter of an hour to travel to the clinic today, so it was all really easy. I signed up online and picked a day and a time that was most convenient for me. Then, during the appointment, I had my height, weight, and waist measurements taken, as well as a blood pressure test and a couple of small blood samples. I was in and out in 20 minutes.”

‘The response here in Cardiff has been amazing’

Staff at our Cardiff clinic said they’ve been impressed by the immediate uptake of appointments. Olivia, 21, is a Boots member of staff handling appointments there. 

“It’s been really busy, and everyone’s so enthusiastic about taking part,” said Olivia. “We’ve had a fair few people come in who’d signed up to volunteer for Our Future Health back in 2022 but were waiting for a clinic to open in Wales. It feels great to be able to offer them appointments here now. 

“The programme is looking to build a diverse picture of the nation’s health, and there’s a big portion of the population that would be missed without these clinics in Wales.   

“I love working here. I get to meet so many amazing people who all have their own unique stories to tell, and every day is different.” 

Olivia adds that many young people are coming in to take part, too. “It was really nice when I handled my first appointment for someone born in the same year as me. It made me feel like we’re all coming together to do something that might help our generation in the future. 

“I’d encourage everyone to sign up. You could help others, and you never know if research in the future might help you.” 

Ymunwch a ni heddi – join us today!