In 2020, my wonderful wife, Heather, suffered a large segmental pulmonary embolism in her left lung. While her physical recovery took a long time, her emotional recovery was even longer. It was traumatic for me, but even more so for her. The fact that it was caused simply by being on the contraceptive pill was particularly shocking. Over the next few years, every time she felt a pain in her chest, we were both incredibly frightened and twice spent hours in A&E before receiving the good news that it was purely muscular. Even now, any sort of chest pain is frightening.
My lovely, late Mum, Julie, also suffered a PE twenty years ago. I was living in France at the time, and my sister found her on the floor and struggling to breathe when she popped round to visit. I can still remember receiving the call in Normandy and feeling powerless and terrified. Thanks to prompt action by the NHS, we were able to enjoy over 15 more happy years with her.
It was for Mum and Heather and millions of people like them that I decided to raise money by hiking the South Downs Way National Trail – from the historic city of Winchester, in Hampshire, across both West and East Sussex, to finish by the sea in Eastbourne. I have been doing long-distance walks for 10 years now, and this was my 11th in total. There is something magical about moving on foot through countryside and villages, seeing wildlife (three roe deer, a sparrowhawk, red kites, and a hare, to name but a few). It gives you time to think and appreciate what is important in life. The 4th anniversary of Mum’s death fell during the walk, and my thoughts were full of her and of Heather that day and throughout – sadness for the past mixed with optimism for the future and gratitude for having had two such amazing women in my life.
Some days were harder than others. Perhaps I had been slacking in my training, but a couple of naps may have been taken on the longer days, and at least three times I was too tired to eat an evening meal and virtually fell into bed. What kept me going, apart from the determination to overcome the challenge and the desire to enjoy all of the scenery the beautiful South Downs National Park offers, was the sponsorship I received from friends, family, and a few strangers, too. Together, we raised over £850, and considering that my original target was £500, it’s safe to say we smashed it.
I know my wife was proud, and I’d like to think that, somewhere, Mum was equally proud, though unduly worried about my blisters and sore knee and perhaps thinking I was a little insane. She may have a point.
South Downs Way? Completed it, mate.
