Ex-Chelsea player lucky to be alive after blood clot

Clara Bullock & Joe Sims
BBC News, Bristol
BBC Dave Lee is standing in front of a green bush and a white wall. He is wearing a green shirt and has short hair. He is smiling at the camera.BBC
Footballer Dave Lee discovered he had a blood clot during a routine scan

A former Premier League footballer said he is lucky to be alive after doctors spotted a clot on his heart during a routine scan.

Dave Lee, who previously played for Bristol Rovers and Chelsea, said he did not experience any symptoms from the clot and without treatment, he could have died within weeks.

He said: "Another three weeks that would have risen and gone up to my brain and I wouldn't have been here anymore."

The former defender has shared his story as part of BBC Radio Bristol's Wake Up Call health week, where presenter Joe Sims is asking people to talk about conditions that can go under the radar.

In October 2024, he underwent a routine check-up after recovering from a stomach tumour five years prior.

Mr Lee, who lives near Bath, said hours after the scan, doctors told him to pack a bag and prepare to stay in hospital for a week.

He added: "What it was was a blood clot on my heart. It shocked me.

"The consultant was absolutely flabbergasted that I had no symptoms. I'm so lucky. If I hadn't had the tumour, I wouldn't have had the scan and I wouldn't have known."

After undergoing triple bypass surgery, Mr Lee said he recovered within a month and started going for runs again.

"It was a really tough time but I'm glad I got through it," he added.

Mr Lee is raising awareness about the condition as part of Mr Sims' Wake Up Call healthcare week.

The BBC presenter will host his show at Hartcliffe City Farm Friday morning, when he will speak to local people who can come along and agree to have their health checked.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.