In June 2010, aged 49 I was admitted to hospital with severe breathlessness. I was diagnosed with a severe unprovoked bilateral pulmonary embolism with significant clot burden in both lungs.

My recovery was not straight forward. Life was very different, and it was difficult to adjust to what was a “new normal.” I wasn’t the typical candidate for developing pulmonary embolism given my 30-year history of running, swimming, and cycling. I remember two years after the PE,s standing watching our daughters run at the local park run and my wife melanie said, “Do you think you will ever run again” I replied, “I don’t think so”. Four years post PE’s following a period of  rehabilitation  I found myself being able to run again.  My return to running has been inspired by the stories of other survivors.  Not everyone survives a pulmonary embolism, so there is much still to do to improve the situation.   

As a patient representative on the Thrombosis UK board of trustees I have witnessed first-hand the passion, expertise, and vision of the Thrombosis UK team. They are committed to education, research, first class management, and prevention of VTE (Venous Thromboembolism). I will be running with our two daughters melanie and ashley at the Gateshead 10K on Saturday 11th August. I am delighted to support the drive to prevent VTE affecting others.

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