Pat cycling.jpg

Pat cycling

Friday 12th May 2017

Patient ambassador Pat Khan talks about what an achievement this cycle ride will be and despite her nerves she's ready for the challenge.

If I said I wasn’t nervous about taking on the Heart Valve Voice London to Paris cycle ride, I’d be lying. However, Wil has insisted that there is no need to be nervous and that I am only to do as much as I feel I can do. So combine that with the opportunity to spread the word about heart valve disease while travelling to Paris the whole thing seems like a pretty good deal to me.

If you had said to me a few years ago that I would be participating on a cycle ride all the way to Paris I wouldn’t have believed you. Before I received my mitral-valve repair I began to notice that my everyday tasks were becoming more like chores. My walk home was exhausting and the simple act of climbing the stairs to go to bed was leaving me breathless. Knowing that I was suffering from valve disease, these symptoms were red flags for me to go to the doctors. However had I not known what the symptoms were, I would have simply thought I was getting old. This is why it is so important for me to help educate others on the signs they need to watch out for because if I didn’t know the symptoms, I would not be as lucky as I am today.

And now here I am, a few years after my life-changing surgery, about to embark on a cycle ride from London to Paris. While I know my limits and will only do what I can, it is still a big challenge that I can’t wait to get started on! I’m also really excited about the fact that we will be raising awareness about valve disease and hopefully save a few more lives by providing people with the knowledge about the symptoms and treatments available.

Make sure you get on social media to give me your support, your encouragement will help me on this incredible journey!

-Pat