Kathryn Hughes, Observational Research Lead

“I went from piercing ears to taking bloods as part of Clinical Trials”

Kathryn Hughes is now pursuing her dream career in healthcare and working in medical research here at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, after spending her earlier working life piercing ears.

Kathryn spent her early career in retail management including a number of years at a national jewellery and accessories outlet where she would often handle a needle to pierce customers’ ears on the shop floor.

Kathryn says: “I’d always wanted to work for the NHS, especially as my husband works as a children’s assistant in a local hospital and loves his job.

“I was a supervisor in a clothing retailer when I had to use my first aid skills on a colleague who fell ill. It was after this I realised I wanted to use my experience in management and administration to help others and I’ve been working in healthcare ever since.”

She has now progressed from her Research Officer role in our Research & Innovation Department to Observational Research Lead.

“Now when I’m donning a pair of latex gloves and holding a needle, it’s to take someone’s blood as part of a clinical trial. I’m currently working on Ironman, an international registry to improve outcomes in men with advanced prostate cancer, and Paradigm, plasma analysis for response assessment and to direct the management of metastatic prostate cancer.

“It’s a really rewarding job with loads of opportunities. I’m so glad I made the move into healthcare.”