I had a lovely day out last weekend with my family on one of my RM’s when we visited the Crich tramway museum to celebrate their Capital Weekend.

The journey was one of the longest I had undertaken for a while taking 4 hours each way. On the way there we stopped for a coffee and again for fuel but on the way back I ended up driving for over 3.5 hours non stop. We were looking for somewhere to eat en-route but could not find a pub/restaurant with a suitable car park during the first part of our journey which took us through some lovely towns and villages on the A6 before we joined the M60 at Stockport. Having reached the motorway our only option for food was the Chester services on the M56.

By the time we got to the motorway services my right leg was killing me, I had driven for an hour on the motorway without moving my right leg off the accelerator pedal, so as you can imagine it was a relief to finally get out of the cab! We had some food then continued the rest of the journey (about 30 mins) back to Wrexham.

I thought nothing of it again until Tuesday lunchtime when my right leg, below the knee, ballooned; it went very red and tender so I was persuaded by my wife to go to A&E.

After a CT scan, I have been diagnosed with DVT in my right leg, caused by the long drive and length of time it was held in the same position on the accelerator pedal probably on the motorway. I am now on daily blood thinning injections, which my wife has to administer for me into my stomach, and awaiting for a referral to a specialist.

So please let this be a warning to anyone taking their buses on long runs this summer, particularly long motorway stints. I am a fit 46yr old; I exercise regularly and eat healthily so if it can happen to me it could happen to you too.

We operate our vehicles for hire and reward (although this was not the case last weekend) and as you know, we are limited to a maximum of 4.5 hrs. driving before a break must be taken. This is fine for modern vehicle drivers but I have always said driving modern bus or coach for 4.5hrs would be the equivalent to driving a Routemaster for just 60 minutes!

If you are off to shows and rallies over the summer make sure you plan into your journey plenty of time for a break and make sure you get out of the cab and stretch your legs. Likewise, when driving through towns/cities whenever possible in traffic and at red lights put the handbrake on and stretch you right leg in the cab.

I can honestly say this has given me the fright of my life and I for one will now not drive my buses for longer than an hour without a break.

My bus number (if any): RM765 and RM548

Really sorry to hear about what happened to you David, I know that the next time I drive a Routemaster it will certainly not be for any longer than two hours, less than that if Motorway driving is involved. Hope you get better soon.

My bus number (if any): RM967 (Driver & Restoration Consultant), bus is owned by Tom Ireland

Thank you Graham.

Been given the all clear today, so relief all round!

My bus number (if any): RM765 and RM548