Ann Whatmore: A Fearless Adventurer Who Proves Severe Asthma Doesn’t Set Limits – Cycling 3000km Across the UK on a Recumbent E-Trike

In this episode, we’re joined by the fearless Ann Whatmore, an adventurer who proves that asthma doesn’t have to set limits on what you can achieve. Ann has faced numerous health challenges, but rather than letting them hold her back, she’s embraced adventure in a big way. 

In May 2024, she cycled over 3,000km across the UK on her recumbent e-trike, “Bob,” completing a solo journey from Land’s End to Orkney before speaking at Yestival.

This was no easy feat – Ann had only a sixth of her lung function available and had to rely on determination, resourcefulness, and a supportive community to make the journey possible. In this episode, Ann shares how she turned her dream into reality, navigating the ups and downs of planning such a massive adventure. She talks about the emotional and physical struggles of living with asthma, how she managed her condition on the road, and the lessons she learned along the way.

Whether you’re living with a chronic condition, longing for adventure, or simply looking for inspiration to push through your own barriers, Ann’s story is one you won’t want to miss. 

Tune in to hear how Ann turned her “limitations” into an opportunity for growth and exploration, proving that the only true limits are the ones we place on ourselves.

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Show notes

• Who is Ann 
• Having numerous health issues
• Being based near the Jurassic Coast, UK
• Living by the sea
• Not being able to explore the landscape as much as she would like
• Deciding to get a 3 wheeled e-trike (called Bob)
• Wanting to say yes to adventure 
• Getting asthma problems after the age of 18
• Being able to manage her condition at 19 
• Her early years growing up, being very sporty and outdoorsy 
• Having horses and enjoying riding 
• Getting covid on 21st march 2020 and how it impacted on her lung function
• Not being able to walk up stairs
• Being on high dose steroids and inhalers
• The mental challenges of dealing with health issues
• Grieving for the person she was
• Finding out her lungs have been damaged and developing breathing pattern disorders  
• Joining adventure book clubs and listening to podcasts
• Bringing the adventures to her 
• Finding positivity in other people adventures 
• Looking for glimmers of hope