In April 2016 I was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with submassive/acute bilateral pulmonary embolism, after 3 days on HDU and a further 5 on a ward I was discharged.  Due to ongoing problems and pulmonary hypertension I was referred to Papworth Hospital for further investigations and it was decided that I would benefit from pulmonary endetarectomy surgery - which would remove my lung lining, and the remaining blood clots with it.  Papworth is the only centre in the UK that carries out this specialised surgery and one of, I believe, only 3 centres worldwide.  It was going to be a major op with risks involved and it was a big decision to make to go through with it.  I was booked in and, a year ago today, 18th July 2017, I went down to theatre.  Things were a bit scary post op (not so much for me as I was 'asleep'!), I suffered seizures and a left-sided hemiplegia but, thanks to the excellent care and treatment I received from all the staff at Papworth, I  and went on to make a full recovery, being home 10 days later.  I suffered auditory and visual hallucinations whilst an inpatient and was an absolute nightmare for the staff who, bless them, remained patient and caring regardless.  I think I must have spent my last couple of days there apologising to everyone for my behaviour!!

So, in thanks for everything everyone at Papworth did for me, I decided as  1-year post op celebration, I would give something back.  I have therefore just signed up for the Asda 10k in September to raise money for this fantastic cause.  I have never been a runner.  This time last year I could barely walk up the stairs!  I am much better now but a 10k is still going to be a huge challenge for me, even walking it (I am not making any promises of running being involved at all!).  I will just be happy to complete the course as this is something I couldn't even have contemplated pre-surgery.

Royal Papworth Hospital’s always ensurses that it puts patients and their families at the heart of everything it does. The Charity is committed to supporting patients and their carers and seeks to enhance the support it provides to the Hospital. Charitable funds have enabled the Hospital to provide care beyond that of NHS funding alone, enhancing the Hospital’s status as the UK’s leading provider of specialist cardiothoracic care and the country’s main heart and lung transplant centre.