There have been several devastating impacts of blood clots on my family. I therefore want to raise money for Thrombosis UK and awareness of blood clots for Melissa, my Dad and my Grandad who’s stories are enclosed below. I will be walking 100 miles in 30 days. This equates to 3.33 miles per day.

Melissa

The hearts of all of my family broke in February 2021, when my beautiful sister passed away aged only 36. Following Covid-19, Melissa unknowingly developed several blood clots. On 3rd February 2021, after being seemingly healthy, Melissa suffered a Pulmonary Embolism which resulted in a fatal cardiac arrest. Melissa’s passing has left all of us heartbroken, including her husband and three young daughters. We will always miss Melissa every single day and I know that she would want there to be an increased awareness around blood clots and their effects and for us to help prevent this from happening to other people’s loved ones - which is why I want to raise money for Thrombosis UK. 

My Dad

In December 2020, my Dad (aged 57) became very ill following a Covid-19 infection. He was struggling to breathe and his leg was extremely swollen. Both me and Melissa pushed Dad into going to the doctors and thankfully so. Dad was hospitalised, where the doctors found a huge DVT which was restricting his blood flow from his groin down into his leg. He also had many clots inside his lungs. The doctors told us that he was very lucky to be alive and, if he had waited a few more days before treatment, these clots would likely have been fatal. Thankfully, my Dad is now recovering from these clots and he will soon be undergoing tests for genetic Thrombophilia.

Grandad Tommy

In 2001, my Grandad (Tommy Wildsmith) developed swelling in his leg. Unfortunately, unknown to Grandad, this swelling was caused by a Deep Vein Thrombosis. A few days later, he was out walking with his dog when he passed away from a fatal Pulmonary Embolism. Part of his clot had broken away and travelled to his lungs, which triggered a cardiac arrest. 

Blood clots have devastating impacts on many people’s lives and they are more common than most people are aware of. 1 in 4 people die from causes relating to blood clots. Please follow my fundraiser, I am very grateful for any donations (no matter how small) but if you cannot donate then please share this fundraiser and help to raise awareness for blood clots and the amazing work that Thrombosis UK does.

Thrombosis UK receives no Government funding so it relies entirely on donations such as these. With your donations, Thrombosis UK will fund research into blood clots, preventative measures and treatments. They also educate both Professionals and the Public, spreading awareness of blood clots, their symptoms and how to prevent these.

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