🩸A Journey of Resilience: Running the Manchester Marathon 2026 for Thrombosis UK 🩸

Excuse the photo, its one I took when I was "with it" and wanted to try and cheer up my parents who'd left me sleeping.

Not many people know this about me, but in 2016, at just 25 years old, my life took a dramatic turn. While working in Abu Dhabi, I faced a severe health crisis. After returning from a work trip in Chicago 🇺🇸, I experienced excruciating pain during a 14-hour flight back to Abu Dhabi 🇦🇪

Upon arrival, I first visited my employers medical facility where my symptoms were dismissed as kidney stones. I went home and went to bed, over the next 2 days my symptoms got worse, and it wasn’t until I went to a local hospital 🏥

near my apartment that I was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and a pulmonary embolism (PE). Even then, I was discharged an hour or so later, and was told to get some rest and take Collagen supplements. The seriousness of my condition was not fully recognised, something that could have been fatal.

Within this short time frame of just a few days I had begun to struggle to walk and after doing a simple task of getting a glass water 💧 or brushing my teeth, meant I needed to lie down and sleep 😴.

I phoned my parents 🙋🏻‍♀️👨🏻‍🦲, and thankfully, they flew out immediately 🛫, and together with my partner at the time, they took me to a third hospital LLH Hospital, where I was admitted to ICU. The doctors worked tirelessly to care for me. There was not much that could be done other than manage my comfort and pump me full of anticoagulants.

For the first week, I felt no pain as my body was shutting down. I spent a lot of time unconscious, not even dreaming 💭 to escape the reality, everything was black ⬛️. I was unable to walk 🚷, struggled to eat, and needed help cleaning myself and going to the bathroom 🚽. My parents were told there was nothing that could be done, and that I would be leaving in box ⚰️ - my parents have since told me there is no pain on earth 🌍 that is even close to what they felt being told this, even after a series of tragedies in the family in the 2 months prior.

I didn't have any kind of epiphany, nor did I see or speak to anyone divine as many say, but one day I made the decision that I wasn't going to die. And that's when the real agony began, after around 7-8 days in ICU, I had to beg and plead for real painkillers, and it took a long time but due to the severity, I was approved to receive a couple of small doses of morphine 💉 (a restricted medication in the UAE). Fortunately, as I was experiencing pain once again, I knew I was going to come through this and it wasn't going to take me 💀.

*******

Miraculously, and to the surprise of everyone, I was discharged on day 10-11. And I cannot express my gratitude enough to the ICU nurses, Dr Joseph, Dr Indira, Dr Ashraf Nbotros for everything and the amazing care they showed to a total stranger.

🙏Please do forgive me for any spelling errors in your names. 🙏

But the investigation continued 🔬, this time at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Initially it was suspected I had a rare form of cancer that had caused this…which posed another blow to the family that I might indeed still die. However, after tireless testing and research, it was suggested the hospital chance a test on something called Factor V Leiden (for those that don’t know, its the opposite of a Haemophiliac…they bleed easily, I don’t).

Again, I’d like to thank Dr Waqqas Ahmad, Dr Mohamad Masri, Professor Kashif Siddiqi and Dr Walee A. Hassen for their efforts.

🙏 Please do forgive me for any spelling errors in your names. 🙏

Ultimately a result of this experience, I lost my job, my home, and my engagement. Returning to the UK, I had to rebuild my life from scratch. The physical recovery was challenging, but I’m pleased to say I was back in the gym within a month of being discharged 🏋️‍♀️.

But the mental and emotional scars lasted for years, only I didn’t know it. In October 2024, I was officially diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and anxiety, conditions that are suspected to be linked to this trauma. Thankfully, with the support of my employer BITMORE and private medical insurance, I received the treatment I needed to begin healing.

Now, nearly a decade later, I am running the Manchester Marathon in April 2026 for Thrombosis UK. This cause is close to my heart ❤️, as thrombosis often goes unnoticed until it’s too late⌛️. Through running, I hope to raise both awareness and funds to support those affected by this condition, whether it’s Factor V Leiden, or something.

🏃‍♂️ This marathon is more than just a race—it is a symbol of resilience, recovery, and the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. Every step I take will be in memory of that challenging period and in support of anyone currently facing a similar battle ⚔️.

I would be immensely grateful for your support—whether it’s a donation, sharing my story, or simply cheering me on. Together, we can make a real difference.