Mike joined the Digital Technologies to support social wellbeing of community dwelling adults in receipt of social care and their carers (DiTSoW) project research advisory group as a public contributor in 2022 and more recently became a member of the Parkinson’s Research Outreach Network (PRONET) steering group at the University of Hertfordshire.
After retiring from a senior role in industry at the age of 60, Mike began a 16 year dementia journey as a carer for his wife. During this time, he became involved in NHS co‑production work as an older lived‑experience contributor, including helping to revamp the Continuing Healthcare (CHC) process.
Mike now lives with visual impairment, using assisted technology to access computer and phone apps, and has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. His lived experience helps to shape and strengthen research, service improvement, and public involvement.