Inspirational woman diagnosed with a heart condition six weeks after giving birth will take on cycle challenge

Mel Bucknell, 33, was diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy after giving birth to her second child in 2017. The condition – which has no known cause – occurs during the last part of, or in the first few months after, pregnancy. It damages the heart muscle, leaving it unable to pump effectively.

Mel Bucknell said: “I had quite a normal pregnancy and didn’t notice anything different from my first child. It was about six weeks after I gave birth that I started to feel unwell. I was very tired walking anywhere and I had difficulty breathing.

“My GP was concerned and referred me to hospital. One of the nurses noticed my pulse was very quick and the consultant fortunately recognised my symptoms I had an echocardiogram and some other tests before they diagnosed me.

“I was in complete disbelief. I felt all the blood fall from my face. I thought, what, what are you talking about? I’m only 30. I’d never had any health concerns before.

“They measured my heart’s pumping ability and found that it was only about 10 per cent. They said if you imagine your hands holding a ball and doing that pumping action with your hands, my heart was not squeezing.

“There was talk of going onto the transplant list or getting an internal defibrillator if I didn’t respond to the medication. Fortunately, I responded well to the drugs but I couldn’t do much over the next few months.

“It was a horrible time. I had a new baby who was only a few weeks old and two-year old at home. My husband and I had to have a conversation about what would happen if I die. It’s not something we should really have to talk about yet.”

Since then, Mel has continued her recovery and manages her condition with medication, however, she may need a pacemaker in the future. As a result of her experience, Mel – who works for Eastbourne Borough Council – signed up for British Heart Foundation (BHF) London to Brighton bike ride along with colleagues from work. However, after the event was cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis, she is now planning to complete the ride on an exercise bike at home.

Mel said: “I haven’t done a lot of endurance stuff before. I wanted to prove myself that I could still take on a challenge like that. The doctors have said I’m okay to do this.

“My plan is to try and ride the full distance of London to Brighton on June 21, the day it was meant to take place.

“I’ve been training on an exercise bike in the kitchen. My husband, Piers, is going to put up pictures of landmarks I’d pass along the way to give me something nice to look at. I’m aiming to complete the ride in about seven hours.”

Pete Tarrant, area fundraising manager for the BHF, “We’re so grateful to Mel taking on this cycle challenge.

“During these difficult times we are all going through, it is inspiring to see people find inventive ways to raise money for causes close to their heart.

“The incredible energy and enthusiasm Mel has shown is helping us beat heartbreak forever, and we would like to say a huge thank you for her support.”

Mel has already raised more than £700 for the British Heart Foundation. People can make a donation to support her fundraising by going to justgiving.com/fundraising/mel-bucknell.