Thrombosis, also known as VTE (venous thromboembolism) or blood clots, is a leading cause of death and disability across the globe.
In fact blood clots, are responsible for 1 in 4 deaths, the number one cause of preventable deaths in hospital, are responsible for heart attacks and stroke and the cause of more deaths in the UK and USA than AIDS, breast cancer, prostate cancer and motor vehicle crashes combined.
More must be done to raise awareness and understanding to prevent blood clots and help individuals at risk.
As a Pharmacist, I was partly aware of the problem when my father suffered a DVT (deep vein thrombosis, or blood clot in the leg) and a PE (blood clot in the lung) following his cancer treatment. Despite having received recommended ‘Gold standard’ treatment to prevent clots, he developed the blood clots as a result of his limited mobility and dehydration.
Improved awareness and providing appropriate information could have prevented him from developing this potentially fatal condition. Tragically, 1 in 10 patients who develop a PE will die if not urgently and appropriately, treated.
Despite evidence on the prevention, recognition and management of thrombosis, awareness amongst the general public and many health care professionals remains is low and funding opportunities to support research are limited.
In order to help address this and raise money for Thrombosis UK, the UK’s leading charity in promoting increased awareness, care and research of thrombosis, I will be riding my bike between the two treatment centres of Emerson Green in Bristol and Devizes.
All money raised will be donated to Thrombosis UK, (Registered Charity No. 1090540), where your donation will fund:
- Research programmes
- Awareness Campaigns
- Educate Professionals and the Public
Did you know?
- Up to 1 on every 1000 are affected by thrombosis in the UK each year
- 1 in every 10 people who suffer a pulmonary embolism will die if not treated
- 1 in every 1000 pregnant women suffers thrombosis, which can lead to related long-term health problems
Thanks again for taking the time to read this page and feel free to join me on the ride, whatever your cycling level is (mine is basic -> stabilisers removed last week! 🙂
Donate at: JustGiving
