Oxford Brookes Professor Helen Dawes named as one of 'nation's lifesavers'

Professor Dawes who leads the Movement Science Group based in the University’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, has been named as one of the 'Nation’s Lifesavers' – a list of the top 100 individuals or groups based in universities whose work is saving lives and making a life-changing difference to our health.

Her work has helped to improve access to exercise for adults and children with long-term conditions and disabilities like stroke, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis and is currently conducting ongoing research into the Indian Ocean Row 2018 with team member Robin Buttery, who has Parkinson’s disease, helping team to show how people cope with such intense physical and mental stress.

Professor Dawes said: “It is a fantastic honour to be recognised as one of the Nation’s Lifesavers for our team’s work to improve the lives of those with long-term conditions.

“We’re grateful for the support we have received from Robin Buttery, who completed the gruelling 2018 Indian Ocean Row whilst managing Parkinson's. His walking improved after the row and he has shown that you can live with a condition - in fact a third of adults are living with one long-term condition."