“I am a very lucky man. In summer 2022, I suddenly found myself suffering with fatigue, breathlessness at any exertion, and unable to climb a single set of stairs.
I was diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and lost medical clearance for my career as a pilot, meaning I had to retire as a transatlantic captain.
Just over a year ago, on 7th March 2024, I had pulmonary endarterectomy surgery at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge to clear the clots from my pulmonary arteries. It is extremely complex surgery, and the surgeons and nursing staff were wonderful.
After a number of complications, and with the care of my medical teams and my wife, I am now back doing everything I enjoy.
As a way of saying thank you, and to raise awareness of pulmonary hypertension, I am cycling from the hospital which saved my life to my home in Malahide in Co. Dublin in the Republic of Ireland. It’s 520km (320 miles) and will take a number of days, with the aim of arriving home on World Pulmonary Hypertension Day – May 5th.
Thank you for reading my story, and always remember that life is for living, to the best of your ability.”
Conor is raising money for the PHA UK and PHA Ireland through his challenge. You can sponsor him in support of the PHA UK here.
Travelling from Cambridge to Dublin is no short journey, but Conor Keeling is determined to complete it on just two wheels to say thank you for his PH care. Here, he explains why…
10 April 2025
Our new survey aims to understand the symptoms people with pulmonary hypertension struggle with most, so we can support them in the most effective ways.
2 April 2025
On 18th March, the government announced proposals to change parts of the benefits system, including Personal independence Payments (PIP), which many people with pulmonary hypertension rely on. We have put together this information to help you understand what has been proposed, what it means for people with long-term health conditions, and what happens next.
20 March 2025
Our new informal get-togethers are a chance to connect with others affected by PH in a welcoming and relaxed environment.
18 February 2025
We were shocked and dismayed to see comments from the Health Secretary Wes Streeting suggesting that organisations like ours should stop standing up for patients by lobbying government.
12 February 2025
The latest National Audit of Pulmonary Hypertension shows continuing strong performance by the UK’s specialist centres.
7 February 2025
