Medway teenager thriving after migraine research study

Thanks to research carried out at Medway Maritime Hospital, 14-year-old Seth Butcher’s life has been transformed. Once living with complex healthcare needs, little energy and uncertainty about the future, Seth is now thriving as an active teenager, playing rugby and successfully completing his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

Seth, from Rainham, began experiencing migraines when he was just five years old. Having already spent much of his early childhood in and out of hospital due to other health conditions, the onset of severe and debilitating migraine attacks came as a shock to his parents.

Migraine is a severe neurological condition characterised by attacks of moderate-to-severe headache, sensory disturbances and a range of other symptoms. Over the years and supported by his family, Seth tried various treatments and therapies, but with only limited success. He was often told it was “just a headache” or that he would eventually grow out of it.

Seth, 14 Took Part In A Research Study At Medway Maritime Hospital

In 2024, aged 12, Seth was selected to take part in a research study for children and young people aged six to 17 with episodic migraine. The study is evaluating an investigational medicine aimed at preventing migraines in children.

Before joining the trial, Seth’s migraines had a significant impact on everyday life. The unpredictability of his symptoms affected his education, social activities and ability to enjoy being a child.

Since taking part in the study and subsequently being prescribed the medication for a year, Seth and his family have noticed a dramatic improvement in both the frequency and severity of his migraines.

Seth said: “Before the trial, migraines controlled my life. I never knew when I was going to get one and I often had to miss out on things with my friends and family. Now I have much more energy and confidence. I wanted to take part in the trial not only to improve my life, but also to help other children in a similar situation, so they can get the help they need more quickly.”

His mum, Chesca, said: “The difference has been incredible. We used to plan everything around Seth’s migraines because we never knew how he was going to feel from one day to the next. Seeing him able to enjoy life, take part in sports and be a typical teenager has been amazing.

“We can’t thank everyone at Medway Maritime Hospital enough, including Dr Surendra Singham, Pepsi Palmer, Annette Woods and Dilu Wickramasinghe, for their support and care. As a parent, I would say that, of course, there are risks involved in taking part in a trial, but there is an even greater risk in having a child who is unwell every day. Most importantly, you are not alone. I couldn’t have been better supported. It wasn’t easy, but Seth’s life was miserable and, if he had to make the decision again, we would support it.”

The study is one of a number of research trials helping to advance treatments and improve care for patients living with long-term health conditions.

Dr Surendra Singham, Associate Specialist at Medway NHS Foundation Trust said: “For children and young people living with chronic migraine, the impact can be devastating. That is why research is so important. Seth’s experience shows how access to new treatments through clinical studies can provide hope and lead to meaningful improvements in quality of life. We are thrilled with the progress he has made and proud to be part of his journey.”

Dilu Wickramasinghe, Senior Clinical Research Practitioner at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact research can have on patients’ lives. Seth’s involvement shows how clinical studies can offer hope to children and young people living with complex conditions, while helping us build the evidence needed to improve treatments in the future. We are grateful to him and his family for playing such an important role in this research.”

Our Research and Innovation Team supported 42 studies from April 2025 to March 2026. If you are interested in being part of research, speak to your doctor or consultant or email our team on medwayft.researchenquiries@nhs.net.

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