The Clarke family never imagined that an ordinary evening watching television would end in unimaginable tragedy. Lee Clarke, a healthy 38-year-old from Skelmersdale, Lancashire, fell asleep in his living room chair and never woke up.
His sister, Michelle, is now sharing their heartbreaking story to warn others about the silent danger that took her brother's life.
The Night That Changed Everything
"It was just a normal night," Michelle recalls, her voice filled with emotion. "Lee had settled down to watch TV after work, like so many of us do. He fell asleep in his chair, and we thought nothing of it."
But the next morning, the family discovered Lee unconscious and unresponsive. Despite frantic efforts to revive him and a swift ambulance response, it was too late.
The Silent Killer: Deep Vein Thrombosis
Medical examinations revealed the shocking cause of death: a massive blood clot that had travelled to Lee's lungs, causing a fatal pulmonary embolism.
"The doctors explained that sitting in the same position for too long can cause deep vein thrombosis," Michelle explains. "The blood pools in your legs and can form clots. When Lee stood up, the clot travelled to his lungs."
Warning Signs Everyone Should Know
Lee had experienced some symptoms in the days before his death but hadn't recognised their significance:
- Leg pain and swelling - which he'd attributed to muscle strain
- Breathing difficulties - that seemed minor at the time
- General discomfort - easily dismissed as tiredness
"He'd been to the doctor just days before," Michelle reveals. "They thought it was a chest infection. Nobody suspected a blood clot."
A Family's Mission to Save Others
Since Lee's tragic death in February, his family has been determined to turn their pain into purpose. They're working with charity Thrombosis UK to raise awareness about DVT risks.
"People think this only happens on long flights," says Michelle. "But it can happen to anyone sitting for extended periods - whether watching TV, working at a desk, or gaming."
Essential Prevention Tips
Medical experts recommend these simple precautions:
- Take regular breaks - get up and move every hour
- Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Exercise your legs - even simple ankle rotations can help
- Know the symptoms - leg pain, swelling, redness or warmth
- Seek immediate help - if you experience chest pain or breathing difficulties
Lee's family remembers him as a "larger than life character" who adored his nieces and was always the life of the party. Now they hope his story will prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.
"If we can save just one life by sharing Lee's story," Michelle says, "then some good will have come from our loss."
