Four years ago, Em and I decided as a family, we would take on the Lanzarote Ironman.  From the day she passed away I knew I would go and complete the challenge.  I guess it's my way of showing my utmost respect for my beautiful wife, amazing mother to my boys and my best friend.

I will be spreading some of Emma's ashes from the top of Mount Haria, one of the biggest climbs on the bike route, which has stunning views.

On the day, I will find my emotions harder than the event itself, as for me this has turned into far more than just a triathlon.  If for any reason I don't make the finish line, I'll be the first to sign up for 2015!!

Huge amount of love and thanks to all those who have supported me along the way.

Rich x

Our story follows below:

In spring 2011, Brackley based flooring layer Richard Baker was busy training with local friends for the Lanzarote Ironman triathlon - renowned as one of the toughest single day endurance events on the planet .  His gruelling training schedule was going well and he had the full support of his loving wife Emma, and their two sons, Reuben (then aged 2) and baby Rowan (then aged 2 months).  It was Sunday May 1st and only 1 week before Richard and his family flew out to Lanzarote for the event and holiday.

In bed early that Sunday morning, Richard kissed Emma goodbye and headed off for the last training ride with friends from local triathlon clubs: Team Cherwell & Team SNAFU.  That gentle goodbye was the last time he saw his wife and best friend alive.

Nine weeks earlier, Emma had given birth to a bouncing baby boy, Rowan, and was a happy, busy and energetic mother of two.  She noticed some aches in her calf during the preceding days. These aches would come and go.  The day before May Day she noted that she felt tired and more out of breath than normal after pushing the shopping and the double buggy back from the shops.  But, having a cold she thought no more about it.

That Sunday morning as she came downstairs to start the breakfast routine she phoned Richard as she felt like she was about to pass out and was very worried and didn't feel at all well.  He was 15 miles away setting up his bike ready for the ride, he returned immediately and encouraged Emma to call 999.

Richard returned home at the same time as the ambulance & paramedics turned up.  He found Emma laying on the sofa and he knew all was not well.  Reuben was playing close to Emma in the lounge with his cars and baby Rowan was still sleeping upstairs.

Resuscitation attempts at home, in the ambulance and at the Horton hospital in Banbury failed and Emma sadly passed away that morning.  Leaving her family distraught and Richard's world turned upside down and inside out.

Emma died of a pulmonary embolism caused by DVT (deep vein thrombosis). A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary artery, which is the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs.  This blockage – usually a blood clot – was fatal, as it prevented blood from reaching Emma's lungs.

Some facts about thrombosis:

• Up to one in every 1,000 are affected by venous thrombosis in the UK each year
• Up to one in ten people who suffer a pulmonary embolism will die if not treated
• Around one in every 1,000 women develops thrombosis during pregnancy, which can lead to related long-term health problems
• One in three surgical patients can develop a DVT if no preventative measures are given
• Venous thromboembolism – or VTE – is the most common cause of hospital deaths in the UK that can be prevented

Thrombosis can happen to you, your family, your friends or colleagues. Thrombosis is often a ‘silent’ medical condition with no obvious signs or symptoms. It doesn’t discriminate and can affect people of any age or sex. It can very easily be confused with less serious conditions – a clot in the leg can be mistaken for a sore leg muscle. But thrombosis is a leading cause of death in the United Kingdom, yet most people have little or no understanding about its causes and effects and how it can be prevented.  

Lifeblood: The Thrombosis Charity wishes to increase awareness of thrombosis among the public and health professionals and to raise 

research funds to improve patient care.  You can help to ‘Stop the Clots’ by making a donation. Your donation will help to raise awareness about thrombosis.   It will also help to fund research looking at why and how a thrombosis occurs.   Lifeblood: The Thrombosis Charity receives no government funding and relies entirely on grants and voluntary donations.

Today, Richard, Reuben (now 5 years) and Rowan (now 3 years) are doing well and are a tight knit family.  With support of parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles & friends, the Baker family are coping with their loss & the boys are growing up well under admirable guidance of their Dad, Richard.

This year on May 17th 2014, in memory of Emma, Richard will take on Ironman Lanzarote with all the waves, winds, volcanic dust and heat that it can throw at him!  He will put himself through an arduous yet ultimately enjoyable (he hopes!) day by sea swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles with over 2500m of climbing and then run the 26.2 mile marathon in a gruelling event lasting up to 17 hours.  

Please show your support for Richard and the Lifeblood charity by sponsoring him at http://www.justgiving.com/bakerlifeblood

By raising awareness of the risks of DVT we all hope that it may prevent another young family's life being tragically altered.