Welcoming new lay members to Tourettes Action's Scientific Advisory Board

Posted on 26 September 2018

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Tourettes Action is now in its third year of awarding research grants for research focusing on the treatment and management of Tourette Syndrome. Tourettes Action believe both lay and scientific perspectives are important when making research funding decisions, as each brings a very different perspective to the funding process. By having lay members on the TA Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), this helps ensure that the issues that matter to people affected by Tourettes Syndrome are reflected in all our funding decisions. The SAB also has scientific experts from the field who assess research grant applications based on their scientific excellence, quality and potential to deliver significant results.

We recently have welcomed two new lay members; Adrian Reynolds and Ashley Curry to the SAB, who will take turns to give their much-needed perspectives on research funding applications that TA receives.

'I was diagnosed with Tourette's over twenty years ago when little was known about the condition. In recent years I have looked to tackle the misconception around Tourette's and mental health issues with a series of blogs and articles. After running several marathons for Mind and Tourette's Action, I was given the opportunity to write regularly for a running magazine about the benefits of exercise on mental health. I have subsequently written about Tourette's for several newspapers and was recently part of the BBC Three Things Not To Say episode focusing on Tourette's. Additionally, I took part in a lecture on Tourette's for Master's students at King's College London in early 2018 and really enjoy helping to boost awareness.
Much of my career has been spent focusing on the research industry, primarily in technology and media. My interest in research and experience of Tourette's means I like to stay up to date with the latest studies and developments on the condition. I have taken part in several research studies in London in recent years and found it beneficial in improving my own understanding of Tourette's. I am happy to be involved with the Tourette's Action Scientific Board as a lay member and look forward to contributing towards further vital research.'

Hi My Name is Ashley Curry. I am a sufferer of Tourette's syndrome, although as I have aged it has become less in time. I have run the London Marathon twice for Tourette's Action, which was a great way to raise awareness.
I'm an awareness advocate/volunteer for ocd action, and maternal ocd. I am also an advisor on the board for the international forum for wellbeing in pregnancy. I also am on the research and teaching team on my local nhs trust, were also I'm on the board of governors as a service user representative.

I am very keen on research, so I'm honoured to be involved with the work that Tourette's Action are doing

By supporting Tourettes Action in terms of donating money for research, giving your time volunteering as a research participant, or being a lay reviewer; brings us closer to finding out answers to the questions we all have about Tourette Syndrome.

Thank you!

If you have any questions please contact Seonaid Anderson, Research Manager Tourettes Action Seonaid@tourettes-action.org.uk

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