In 2022, at the age of 61, I had a severe Colitis flare, following Covid earlier in the year and then developed multiple lung clots (pulmonary emboli) in November that same year. I was so incapacitated and breathless that I lived downstairs for about three months. If anyone had told me then that I would I be able to cycle any distance at all, let alone halfway up the country, mostly off road, I wouldn’t have believed it. In fact, it wasn’t until I travelled back home on the train after completing my challenge, that the reality of how far I had come, not only in terms of distance but in my health journey, began to sink in.

I was first diagnosed with Colitis in 1986 when I was 25, although I had had symptoms for a couple of years before this. I never mentioned to a doctor about blood in my poo until it was severe. Fortunately, I have had very few flares and I have lived a fit and active life, so when I was admitted at the age of 51 into hospital for a gynaecology operation, I wasn’t too worried. I wasn’t seen as being at risk of getting blood clots post-surgery and was not given anticoagulants. Nor was I taken seriously post discharge, when I rang the hospital to say that I thought I had DVT (deep vein thrombosis).

I had previously worked as an occupational therapist in orthopaedics, so had a good general awareness of DVT. However, my GP prescribed anticoagulants later the same day. Unfortunately, I then developed clots in my lungs, and was readmitted to hospital. Later, I was keen to find out why I had had clots and discovered that people with Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis are at higher risk of developing clots.

Fortunately, after a few months of gym rehab and a year on warfarin, I returned to my usual fitness levels – and was running and sailing regularly.

Then, when I had my severe Colitis flare in 2022 I was admitted to hospital three times. While there, I found it really helpful to have a tapestry cushion project to focus on that my mum had started before she died. I gave myself aromatherapy massages and when at my worst, I used the hospital bed to prop myself up in standing to do my daily qi gong exercise. I would endeavour to get outside when possible and appreciated the wildlife within the hospital grounds.

Sue on her cycling challenge

Having returned home after my third admission, it was a shock to then have severe abdominal pain, a high heart rate and breathlessness. I returned to A&E and, much to my surprise, a scan found blood clots in my lungs. I was discharged home, then with support from friends and family worked on my recovery throughout 2023. In 2024, I joined a Couch to 5K group and completed the “London Marathon My Way” challenge, but then I was knocked back by another bout of Covid and had to focus on physical recovery yet again.

I’m now in better shape than I was three years ago and determined to let people know that people with IBD can get clots.

That’s why I decided to get on my bike to raise awareness and celebrate my return to health. Sharing my journey is also a way to show people who are just starting out on their journey with IBD or clots, that life can improve. For me, this cycle ride has been truly life affirming: a chance to reconnect with friends and family. And as I meandered along Sustrans tracks and canal paths, it has given me many opportunities to experience the wonderful natural places we have so close to major urban areas.

I am thankful to all those who have helped me on both my wellness and cycle journey – especially when I have got lost along the way!