Amanda's Ride Across Britain for Thrombosis UK

For the last fourteen years, I’ve lived with a life-threatening, blood-clotting disorder that runs in my family. Thrombosis caused the death of both of my parents and the hereditary gene mutation I have could also affect my daughter in later life.

This September I’ll be pushing my body to the limit by cycling 1,000 miles, the length of Britain, to raise money for two charities I care deeply about - Thrombosis UK and The Richmond Heavies Foundation, which was co-founded by one of my business clients and provides defibrillators to sports clubs that can’t afford the life-saving devices. I’m aiming to raise a minimum of £2,500 for each charity, hopefully much more.  

I was pregnant with my son in 2006 when I was diagnosed with Factor V Leiden, which greatly increases the risk of developing blood clots. I was initially hospitalised to treat Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). I subsequently developed a Pulmonary embolism (PE). After a few years of respite, I developed another blood clot in 2018 and have had four more within the last 8 months. I now live with Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), a chronic and potentially disabling condition caused by damage to the veins.  

Despite this and related health complications, I’m determined to keep moving and leading an active life for as long as I can. That’s why I’ll be setting off on a gruelling 980-mile bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats on 4th September as part of The Deloitte Ride Across Britain. This epic endurance event involves cycling more than 100 miles a day over nine consecutive days - the elevation involved is equivalent to climbing Mount Everest twice or running nine consecutive marathons.

I used to be a keen runner but my blood-clotting disorder has forced me to adapt. I’m now a cyclist, currently covering up to 250 miles a week in training. By undertaking this challenge, I’m hoping to inspire others to push through their own personal barriers - whatever they’re dealing with in life - whether it affects their physical or mental health or, like me, both. 

Of course, I’m also hoping to raise a significant amount for Thrombosis UK and every donation to the charity through this page will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Thrombosis UK: Thrombosis UK is dedicated to promoting care, awareness and research about thrombosis and works with the NHS, healthcare providers and individuals to improve the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and the management and care of unavoidable VTE events. Our priority is for everyone to KNOW the Risks Signs & Symptoms of VTE and to support research to extend UNDERSTANDING into the PREVENTION and BEST MANAGEMENT of VTE.