Ben Lovell

Ben Lovell, who lives in Spain, first experienced PAD symptoms about eight years ago when severe calf cramping progressed to a cold, grey foot; after initially being diagnosed with sciatica, testing later revealed an arterial blockage. Ben underwent multiple bypass surgeries and eventually a leg amputation, but he has remained extremely active to help manage his PAD and maintain circulation. Over the past five years, he has climbed 35 mountains, including Mount Kilimanjaro, walked 180 kilometers in five days, and continues to exercise in the gym five times a week. Despite significant arterial blockages, Ben says his foot remains warm and mobile, and his medical team has encouraged him to continue exercising to support blood flow. Although he is relatively new to the PAD Facebook support group, it has helped him recognize how much PAD has shaped his journey alongside limb loss, and he recently became a qualified personal trainer to help others living with PAD and limb loss stay active.