Here are some of the first 46 volunteers for East London Genes & Health.
Click their pictures to find out why they volunteered to take part in the study.
See why is 46 a magic number...
The First 46
Councillor Ahsan Khan
It is not fair that people in East London die...
"It is not fair that people in East London die nine years earlier than in West London - I want to be the first volunteer for this study."
Councillor Ahsan Khan
Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Waltham Forest Council.
Labour Party Councillor for Hoe Street Ward, London Borough of Waltham Forest.
Dr Osman Bhatti
It's amazing that this leading project in...
"It's amazing that this leading project in East London is pioneering research in communities represented in its population, to help improve health outcomes and in time would expand on knowledge to extend worldwide. Participation is quick, painless and easy but the effects of the research will be long-lasting and propitious."
Dr Osman Bhatti
GP at The Chrisp Street Health Centre
Dr Naheed Rana
I am thrilled to be part of the pioneering East...
"I am thrilled to be part of the pioneering East London Genes & Health research. This exciting project gives us the unique opportunity to understand health and disease in more detail in Pakistani and Bengali communities. The insight and knowledge we will gain by exploring genetics and health outcomes will enable the development of effective prevention and treatment for diabetes, heart diseases & other common diseases. I encourage everyone to participate in this initiative; it is so easy and will ultimately save lives for generations to come."
Dr Naheed Rana
Doctor in Genetics, Epidemiology and Public Health. NHS
Barrister Islam Khan
I participated in the East London Genes &...
"I participated in the East London Genes & Health research as I wish to help contribute to the study of identifying the cause of different diseases in the Asian diaspora.
I would hope that this study understands and helps future generations to adopt a healthy lifestyle, and I encourage professionals from the South Asian community to come forward and contribute to this research."
Barrister Islam Khan
Barrister, One Inner Temple Lane Chambers
Mr Zoinul Abidin
I am taking part to make a difference, I want to...
"I am taking part to make a difference, I want to lead by example to encourage people from the Bangladeshi community to come forward and take part in this significant piece of research. I lost my father to diabetes and my mother has it now, no doubt in future years this research will play its part in saving lives, and without any doubt I want to play my very small part in making a huge difference. "
Mr Zoinul Abidin
Presenter Ramadan Special on Betar Bangla 1503 AM Radio.
Group Manager Libraries, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham.
Mr Niaz Islam
The genomic revolution is important to understand...
"The genomic revolution is important to understand ethnic variations, predictors and ultimately specific and effective treatments. I'm not yet a diabetic, but at very high risk, due to strong family history and being a British-Bangladeshi. No surprises that I specialise in diabetic eye care, and am passionate to develop the East London community sites for Moorfields Eye Hospital. It's simple and easy to take part. Make a difference to future generations."
Mr Niaz Islam
Consultant Opthalmic Surgeon, Moorfields Eye Hospital.
Councillor Saima Mahmud
I implore you to please sign up to be a volunteer...
"I implore you to please sign up to be a volunteer and encourage others to do so today. Please go back to the organisations that you represent and to your friends and family and urge them to sign up to be volunteers as well. This research project will save lives but we need your help in getting it off the ground. "
Councillor Saima Mahmud
Mayor of Waltham Forest, 2015-2016
Ms Ameerah Khan
As a member of Centre of the Cell and Paediatrics...
"As a member of Centre of the Cell and Paediatrics research team at the Blizard Institute, I hold a keen interest in the wellbeing of our local community. This project provides a unique and exciting opportunity to unveil the health concerns of individuals from Bengali and Pakistani communities. The project seeks to take a vital first step towards building a more educated and healthier society that will allow community members to take ownership of their own health. I am excited to see the outcomes of this innovative research."
Ms Ameerah Khan
Learning & Outreach Officer, Centre of the Cell, Queen Mary University of London
Dr Rashid Akhtar
I support the research in Genes & Health...
"I support the research in Genes & Health because good health is the greatest gift of God and any effort to make human health better is indeed a noble job."
Dr Rashid Akhtar
President, Pak Cultural Society
Mr Kolil Miah
Get closer to yourself and make a difference to...
"Get closer to yourself and make a difference to your future generation"
Mr Kolil Miah
Chair, Bangladeshi Mental Health Forum
Mrs Rahila Ramzan
I took part in the study as it will help in...
"I took part in the study as it will help in finding out about diseases and prevent it from happening if found out at an early stage, as in the Asian community lots of us suffer from diabetes and cholesterol."
Mrs Rahila Ramzan
Dr Runa Ali
This is a fantastic opportunity for us to...
"This is a fantastic opportunity for us to discover not only why we Bengalis suffer such high rates of certain diseases, but also to find ways of reducing this. Genetics research is complex but the first step of donating a saliva sample is easy, and I am delighted to be one of the First 46 volunteers."
Dr Runa Ali
Consultant Physician in respiratory medicine and allergy, Barts Health NHS Trust.
Dr Shahid Dadabhoy
As a NHS Family Doctor whom lives and works in...
"As a NHS Family Doctor whom lives and works in this area of London, I see the toll of diabetes, coronary heart disease and other long term conditions on the lives of my patients, their families, my family and my community. This is a massively significant project and potentially a game-changer in our approach to the health in East London. All from a simple saliva. I strongly urge all of us who care about the area that we live and work in to support and contribute to this once in a lifetime project for the sake of the generations to come."
Dr Shahid Dadabhoy
Family Practitioner (GP) and Educational Facilitator,
The Microfaculty,
Chingford.
Mr M. Haroon Khan
I took part to encourage our community to come...
"I took part to encourage our community to come forward and participate in this research so we are able find the reasons behind diabetes, and then put our resources to eradicate it."
Mr M. Haroon Khan
Dr Julie N Reza
As a British-Bangladeshi scientist with a...
"As a British-Bangladeshi scientist with a longstanding interest in health and research, I’m keen to support this study which, in due course, has the potential to improve the health and wellbeing of the British Asian community."
Dr Julie N Reza
Science and Health Communications Specialist.
Mr Ayaz Khan
...
"..."
Mr Ayaz Khan
Councillor Liaquat Ali MBE JP
I am happy to take part in East London Genes...
"I am happy to take part in East London Genes & Health, hopefully it will improve the health of our people."
Councillor Liaquat Ali MBE JP
Waltham Forest Council.
Mayor 2007 - 2008.
Mr Rao Muhammad Aslam
Pakistani and Bangladeshi people have lots of...
"Pakistani and Bangladeshi people have lots of genetic problems. If the doctors can find medicines and cures, it will be a gift to the coming generation."
Mr Rao Muhammad Aslam
Pak Cultural Society.
Mr Zahir Chowdhury
East London Genes & Health is an unique...
"East London Genes & Health is an unique initiative, will lead to the development of innovative treatments for diabetes, heart diseases & other common diseases in the near future for ourselves and for the next generation."
Mr Zahir Chowdhury
Project worker, Social Action for Health.
Ms Naheed Malik
My reason for getting involved with the genes and...
"My reason for getting involved with the genes and health project is that like many other Pakistanis I am borderline diabetic, having high cholesterol with a family history of heart disease. I hope that by participating and getting involved in this research project I can further the cause to help future generations and reduce such health problems amongst both the Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities."
Ms Naheed Malik
Mrs Jahanara Ali
...
"..."
Mrs Jahanara Ali
Stitches In Time
Mr Salman Alam
...
"..."
Mr Salman Alam
Manager, Stifford Community Centre.
Mrs Bushra Nasir CBE
...
"..."
Mrs Bushra Nasir CBE
Headteacher, Plashet School for Girls, Newham (1993 - 2012)
Member of Council, Queen Mary University of London
Mrs Sahdia Warraich
I am keen to support this research as it will...
"I am keen to support this research as it will support future prevention work and treatment amongst communities who face real health inequalities in our area."
Mrs Sahdia Warraich
Director, The Forum for Health and Wellbeing
Lay member for Barking and Dagenham Clinical Commissioning Group
Mrs Lubna Aslam
I think it’s a very important study because my...
"I think it’s a very important study because my mum has a heart condition, and I think that if we can solve those heart conditions, stroke, diabetes, then we can help our community really well for coming generations."
Mrs Lubna Aslam
Dr Naheed Khan-Lodhi
As a GP working with a high proportion of South...
"As a GP working with a high proportion of South Asian origin patients, I am well aware of our community's high incidence of diabetes, heart disease and other conditions. I feel it is vital to take part in this study to give us a better understanding of why these diseases are so common. Hopefully this will enable better treatments."
Dr Naheed Khan-Lodhi
Clinical Director of Waltham Forest Clinical Commissioning Group & GP at Queens Road Medical Centre, Walthamstow.
Mr Shafi Ahmed
This is a wonderful project for QMUL and the...
"This is a wonderful project for QMUL and the local East London community. With the rates of diabetes and heart disease being so high in my community, I am delighted to be asked to be a volunteer for this research into genes. I would encourage everyone to participate as it is easy and will, I am sure, help improve the health of the local population and offer valuable insight into these common conditions."
Mr Shafi Ahmed
Consultant Surgeon, Barts Health NHS Trust.
Dr Tahseen Chowdhury
As a British-Bangladeshi, I am aware of the high...
"As a British-Bangladeshi, I am aware of the high risk of long term conditions we suffer. Any approach to finding out more about how we can help reduce the burden of these conditions is of great value to our community. Taking part was quick, painless and easy."
Dr Tahseen Chowdhury
Consultant in Diabetes, Barts Health NHS Trust.
Dr Anwar Khan
I took part in the genome project because of its...
"I took part in the genome project because of its enormous potential for much more focused and effective treatments for patients in the East End of London."
Dr Anwar Khan
Clinical Chair, Waltham Forest Clinical Commissioning Group & GP, Churchill Medical Centre, Chingford
Mr Khasruz Zaman
I took part because it is important to know as a...
"I took part because it is important to know as a Bangladeshi what are the diseases I might be vulnerable to, and what are the medicines and treatments that will be appropriate for me."
Mr Khasruz Zaman
Inclusion and Community Engagement Manager
Barts Health NHS Trust
Mrs Farida Malik
I am very proud and excited to take part in this...
"I am very proud and excited to take part in this, what I believe it is very important research study for our Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities.
As a health care professional I believe I see increasing number of Bangladeshi and Pakistani members of our community suffering from illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. This study would help in understanding the link between the genetic makeup and how this will help in better treatment, managing and where possible preventing these diseases.
I would urge you to participate in this study. It took me couple of minutes to provide sample of my saliva via a package sent to my home address and to post it back in a prepaid envelope. Make a difference! Be part of the study."
Mrs Farida Malik
Head of bilingual health advocacy, interpreting service and customer care.
Newham University Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust.
Mr Kamrul Islam
I took part because genetic research is important...
"I took part because genetic research is important for the health of future generations in East London."
Mr Kamrul Islam
Bilingual Researcher, Queen Mary University of London.
Mrs Ruhun Chowdhury
The issues faced by the Asian community must be...
"The issues faced by the Asian community must be looked into from a different angle. This is where I would like to contribute. I find it alarming that even young children are diagnosed with diabetes."
Mrs Ruhun Chowdhury
Chair, Jagonari Women's Educational Resource Centre
Dr Sharmin Shajahan
I am delighted to be one of the first 46...
"I am delighted to be one of the first 46 volunteers of this very important East London Genes Health Project. I have always worked in Public Health and community health research in East London and beyond and therefore I recognise the value and significance of such an unique project which will inform health research and health professionals and health services of how to address some long term conditions of people from certain ethnic groups and possibly find answers to many existing questions."
Dr Sharmin Shajahan
Mr Dilowar Khan
...
"..."
Mr Dilowar Khan
Executive Director, East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre
Dr Shaukat Khan
I am very happy to take part in this project as I...
"I am very happy to take part in this project as I believe our health and that of our future generations very much depends on such research."
Dr Shaukat Khan
Chief Executive, Asia Link Network International
