Carer stories
Stories from families, friends and carers.
Courtney & Steve
Courtney’s dad, Steve, had symptoms for over six months before he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Later, the doctors found out his cancer was an even rarer type. Sadly, Steve’s cancer has now spread. Courtney tells us what they’ve been through, and how their focus is on raising awareness to support others.
Katie & Alex
Katie’s friend Alex was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer aged just 20 years old. Katie reflects on Alex’s resilience, her amazing achievements and the joy and love she shared with her friends and family.
Joanne & Stewart
Stewart was a healthy, active man who decided he was going to run the London Marathon. However, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer he wasn’t able to fulfill this dream. When Pancreatic Cancer UK was announced as the Charity of the Year for 2025 his wife, Joanne, knew she had to run it in his memory. Joanne shares Stewart’s story and her decision to run on his behalf as a newly single parent of their two young girls.
Victoria & Janet
Victoria's Mum, Janet, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2021, and passed away in 2024 with her family by her side. Victoria shares their story and reflects on how her Mum inspired to her to undertake a phenomenal challenge.
John & John
John’s dad passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2005. Twenty years later, John travelled all the way from Florida to run the London Marathon in honour of his dad. He tells us how he coped with his dad’s illness and death, and what motivated him to support Pancreatic Cancer UK.
Lynda & Sheila
Lynda’s mom Sheila was 79 when she started to get symptoms in 2016. A year later, she was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and died just six weeks later. Lynda looks back at that time and stresses that people with pancreatic cancer deserve change.
Alison & Aidan
Aidan was 57 and otherwise fit and healthy when he was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. Although he had symptoms, it was months before he got a diagnosis. Aidan died less than three months later, with his wife Alison by his side.
Jo & Joan
Jo’s mum, Joan, was initially misdiagnosed with a pancreatic cyst. Sadly, it was actually pancreatic cancer which had also spread to her liver. Joan died eight weeks after her diagnosis, aged 61. Jo is now determined to raise funds and make others aware of pancreatic cancer, in memory of her mum.
Ben & Pete
Ben's dad, Pete, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August 2024. He passed away at home in early November 2024, only nine weeks after diagnosis. Pete faced many challenges but he and his family remained positive. The family is now keen to help save lives by campaigning for early detection of pancreatic cancer.
Natalie & Rosemarie
Natalie’s mum, Rosemarie, struggled to get a diagnosis for her symptoms. Sadly, her cancer was advanced by the time she was diagnosed, and Rosemarie passed away nine weeks later, shortly after her 52nd wedding anniversary. Natalie talks about her determination to raise awareness of the symptoms.
Amy & Eurico
Amy's Dad, Eurico, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2023. He died in May 2024. Amy reflects on how quickly everything happened and the challenges of processing it all. She talks about her daughter remembering her Avô (grandad in Portugese), and her baby son getting the middle name of Eurico.
Georgia & Leon
Georgia’s husband Leon was 51 when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He sadly died two years after first noticing symptoms. Georgia talks about the difficulties they faced and advocating for Leon to get the care he needed. She also remembers the wonderful support their young family had from the hospice towards the end of Leon’s life.