“In May 24, my wife complained of crippling pain in her abdomen. After several misdiagnoses, she was finally told she had unprovoked bilateral pulmonary emboli (PE), meaning she had blood clots in both her lungs. To this date, she is still receiving treatment, and doctors are still trying to find the cause of the clots.
The diagnosis is something that has greatly affected our family, and trying to explain the many hospital stays and visits to young children is not an easy task.”
This is the statement from Ben Hickson who was selected to represent Thrombosis UK at the prestigious TCS London Marathon 2025. Ben’s wife Sarah, suffered a PE and like many others was misdiagnosed several times prior to finally receiving the correct diagnosis. Thankfully Sarah survived, but the after effects of a PE and delayed diagnosis are still with the family.
Thrombosis UK are working hard to help delivering free, accredited educational events for healthcare professionals so that awareness, knowledge and understanding of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is improved.
The charity has also created a free, smart phone app called ‘Let’s Talk Clots,’ that shares a wealth of information about blood clots. From prevention to risk factors and signs and then through the journey supporting and informing on diagnosis, treatment, recovery and re-building physically and emotionally.
Daily our team is in contact to support individuals who have been affected by thrombosis, whether through illness or loss.
Why is it is vital this work continues?
A minimum of 400 deaths attributable to pulmonary embolism misdiagnosis from March 2021 to April 2022 in England and Wales, with deaths in some regions almost three times the national average. [Ref]
Studies of patients who die unexpectedly of pulmonary embolism reveal that they complained of nagging symptoms often for weeks before death related to pulmonary embolism. Forty percent of these patients had been seen by a physician in the weeks prior to their death. [REF]
In the UK, 1 in 20 people will experience a blood clot in their lifetime. [REF]
To put into context based on 2024 UK population that 3.423 million people – enough to fill Wembley Stadium 38 times or 42,787.5 double decker buses.
We need to change this – to save lives and prevent suffering.
To continue this vital work we need your help.
Ben’s family are one of many who have benefitted from the resources Thrombosis UK provides, and is why Ben applied to represent Thrombosis UK in the TCS London Marathon.
You can support us, by supporting Ben.
As Ben explains:
“We have been lucky so far, but other families have not. I am asking everybody to please donate something to support this charity. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by thrombosis. Together, we can help Thrombosis UK continue their vital work in research, education, and support for patients and families.”
Your donation can save lives. Please contribute to support Thrombosis UK in their mission to prevent and treat thrombosis. Every penny counts and can make a real difference.
Together, we can work to extend awareness, education and research to secure a future where no family has to suffer the devastating effects of a preventable blood clot.