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Sue Williams
Name:
Sue Williams
Job title:
Public Advisor Researcher
Place of work/study:
University of Liverpool / NIHR Policy Research Unit at Queen Mary University of London
Area of Research:
Inequality in Dementia Care
How is your work funded:
National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
Tell us a little about yourself:
I spent over 30 years working in the arts, running a theatre and producing shows. I am also a trained Celebrant, supporting families with funerals, weddings & baby naming ceremonies. I came to dementia research through my lived experience, having looked after my Dad when he had Alzheimer’s and being Power of Attorney for a long time friend who had Parkinson’s with Lewy Body. Realising that I could use this knowledge to help support and influence research in dementia made me want to have something positive come out of their situations. Now I have had the opportunity to take part in several studies, contributing insights from the points of view of patients and carers.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I once took part in a fire walk. The hot coals had been smouldering for hours and were glowing. I was terrified, but it was exhilarating, and no, I didn’t burn my feet and there were no blisters. Amazing!
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
Seeing what my Dad and my friend went through was tough. Finding that joined up care did not exist and was fragmented. Trying to support and speak for them was difficult, upsetting, frustrating and heart breaking. Being a carer was exhausting, isolating and confusing. When I got the opportunity to put all these experiences to a more positive use, I knew I wanted to do it.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early-career researcher?
Public Advisors want to be involved and to share their experiences, so make good use of what they can offer.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
Love Lane by Patrick Gale – he’s an author I enjoy
Favourite film of all time?
Impossible question….The Godfather 1 & 2
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Travelling with family, friends or just solo, always makes me happy
What’s the best decision you ever made?
Getting married to my lovely man
What’s your favourite vacation spot?
New York, New York
Do you collect anything?
Memories……
Would you like to share your playlist?
Can we find you on social media?
No sorry
Dr Sam Moxon