MORE than half of people in the region would hand over a sample of their blood to be logged on a DNA database, pollsters say.

And 65 per cent of south west residents say they would let the NHS use their personal healthcare data for medical research. 

Pollsters at YouGov also found that slightly more than half of those asked would be willing to register as an organ donor – even if their organs were to be used for medical research, rather than saving lives.

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), which commissioned the research, welcomed the backing the polling apparently gave medical researchers. 

Tom Delahoyde of firm pharmaceutical firm Chiesi UK, a member of the ABPI, said: “It’s clear that the people of the South West recognise the role that scientific and medical research play in delivering a world class NHS. 

“The willingness to make extraordinary personal contributions in order to advance scientific research will undoubtedly help us in our quest to treat, cure and eliminate rare genetic conditions.”

Dr Paul Colville-Nash, programme manager at the Swindon-based Medical Research Council, said:  “It’s great news to hear that so many people in the South West are interested in aiding medical research but it’s not something that comes as a surprise. “

They said that 2.5 million people across Britain had taken part in cohort studies – where scientists track people’s health over time. 

Would you donate your blood for a national DNA database? Contact the newsdesk, by emailing: newsdesk@swindonadvertiser.co.uk.