After being diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), Londoner Ray Harding underwent pioneering pulmonary endarterectomy (PTE) surgery in August 2002. More than two decades later, the 78-year-old is sharing his story to thank the team who saved his life – and to give others hope for the future…

Ray shared his story in 2024

“I took early retirement from my job in 2001, because of my health, but I didn’t know at that point that it was CTEPH causing my issues.

I started having investigations for my breathlessness, and eventually I spent a week in hospital having tests, which showed I had pulmonary hypertension. It was a very scary time.

I was told that I was a possible candidate for a pulmonary endarterectomy, and that there was only one surgeon in the UK who could do it. I saw the surgeon, Professor John Dunning, at Royal Papworth Hospital in January 2002 and I was offered the operation.

There was a 50/50 chance of survival at the time, and he had carried out about 100 of the operations by that point. “I get better with every one that I do”, he told me. He was built like a rugby player, and I remember wondering how he was going to get into my lungs with hands of that size.

My wife and I spent the weekend discussing what to do, and I made the call to accept the surgery on the Monday morning. Eight months later, on 5th August 2002, it went ahead. That date will always stick in my mind.

The surgery was a success, with all the clots removed, and I remember the care being excellent. I was told that being a positive person, I should recover well – and I did.

I was sent home after 19 days, where I’ve lived a full life ever since. I managed to go back to work, and I spent a further 16 years as a tyre salesman.

One of my sons has a house in Devon so we go on holiday there every year and I see my three grandchildren regularly. They were all born after the operation, and I’ve enjoyed being able to see them grow up. We’re a very close family.

I have been married to my wife Jennie for 54 years and could not have recovered as well as I did without her support and help.

Unfortunately, my health over the years still hasn’t been great – but that’s nothing to do with the CTEPH or the surgery.

In December 2018, I was rushed to hospital with pains in my stomach. It turns out that my gut had twisted and exploded, and I had sepsis. Surgery saved my life – again – and I am now living with a stoma [an opening on the surface of the abdomen which has been surgically created to divert the flow of faeces.]

I was in the hospital bed for a month, so my right knee completely seized up and I’ve walked with a crutch for 15 years. However, knee replacement surgery is due to take place this summer, so I have lots to continue to look forward to.”