30th June 2021: Participant view – Simon Shirley

In this week’s blog we would like to take a look at one of our participants from the Study and ask him a few questions about ADVANCE from his point of view.

Name: Simon Shirley

Age: 49

Rank: Major

When and where were you last deployed? In 2008 in Afghanistan.

How did you hear about ADVANCE? Via e-mail from the ADVANCE recruitment team.

Why did you choose to take part in ADVANCE? Partly because of self-interest for my own health review, but also important to get long-term information to improve rehabilitation services for the future.

What was the best part of the ADVANCE day? The comprehensive nature of testing and how it examined more than just one body region/system, looking at both mental and physical health. It was really reassuring that Stanford Hall offers such a good experience and supports rehabilitation.

What more would you like to see from the Study? When results are available, I would like to see any preliminary data findings in relation to the study outcomes and how this may change policies in the future for the serving personnel.

Is there any other follow-up after the ADVANCE visit you would like? I was happy that all the information was provided on the day of my visit.

What three words would you use to give feedback on your ADVANCE visit? Improving medical services.

What are your interests/hobbies? Cycling and history

What new skill would you like to learn? I’d like to improve my French.

What are your top film, song and book of all time?
Film: Ice cold in Alex.
Song: Sympathy for the Devil by the Rolling Stones.
Book: Siege of Krishnapur by J.G Farrell.

Thank you Simon for your answers! Look out for more participant views in the future.

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