A Bramhall resident has regained his sense of smell following a remarkable clinical trial at Stepping Hill Hospital.

Retired maths teacher Alan Towse (74) had been without a sense of smell for 12 years due to a severe condition. However, after taking part in a study trialling a new medicine, he's had a 'life-changing' transformation.

In 2013, Alan developed a constant runny nose, lost his sense of smell and taste, and started to get headaches. He was later diagnosed with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, a condition that causes severe inflammation in the sinuses and nose.

No nasal spray or steroid tablet could make him feel better.

After being 'despondent' for so many years, Alan was approached in 2023 by the research team at Stepping Hill Hospital, to see if he wanted to go on a clinical trial looking at a new treatment option.

As part of the study, Alan attended regular appointments. After a few months, he began to report his sense of smell and taste returning.

He describes the simple things most vividly: "I smelled fresh coffee for the first time in 10 years, I can smell the onions cooking on the Christmas markets", he said.

"It has improved my life so much. I would urge anyone who has the chance to go on a research study to do it and I hope others can benefit."

Abigail Pemberton, the Clinical Research Nurse working on the trial, said: "We are very grateful to patients like Alan who donate their time to help future patients by improving the treatment options available through research.

"It is very rewarding as a research nurse when you can offer patients, especially the ones who have exhausted all treatments, hope and then see the direct benefits.

"The process has also helped him to overcome or face his fears of hospitals, which can only be a good thing, giving him the confidence to engage in healthcare services in the future."

Alan can now look forward to enjoying his taste and smell, and will return to his beekeeping hobby.

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