Real Life Stories
In this section you will find real life stories from people affected by pancreatic cancer. These stories provide examples of how people are diagnosed, the treatment they have, their experiences and how they take care of themselves.
Sarah & Lynda
Lynda was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in October 2024. Her daughter, Sarah, shares the challenges they faced with her mum's diagnosis alongside serious problems with her housing.
Laura & Duncan
Duncan was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer when he was 66 years old. He spent all of 2025 making memories with his family. His daughter, Laura, reflects on their loss and her gratitude for the time they had with him.
Allison & Paul
Paul started to feel unwell in September 2024, but wasn't diagnosed with pancreatic cancer for several months. Allison reflects on their experiences and on how much she misses him.
Jackie
Jackie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017, aged 56. She had a Whipple's and chemotherapy and is now cancer free. She shares her experiences of surgery and recovery, and reflects on the wonderful support she's had from family and medical team.
Sammi & Kim
Sammi’s mother-in-law, Kim, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer during the covid pandemic in 2020. Sammi shares their family’s experience and reflects on how loved Kim was, and how much everyone misses her.
Willie
Willie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 and has since had surgery and chemotherapy. He's welcomed two daughters since his diagnosis, and eight years on is fit and well.
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.
Bryony
After being free from pancreatic cancer for 5 years, Bryony decided to mark the milestone by running the TCS London Marathon. Bryony shares her story of recovery and determination.