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.
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.
Emma
In April 2024, Emma’s life took an unexpected turn. After months of persistent and unexplained pain, she was diagnosed with a rare form of inoperable pancreatic cancer at the age of 39. She has had chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and is hoping to be able to have more treatments in future. She talks about the impact of her diagnosis and the resilience she has found within herself.
Alex & Izzy
Whenever I think of the marathon day itself, I always picture Dad cheering us on from the sidelines, smiling and giving a thumbs up like he usually did.
Jo & Kevin
I’m running the TCS London Marathon, an event inspired by memories of my dad training for a marathon of his own and his great interest in sport.
David & Lucy
As our dad, Alan, was dying from pancreatic cancer last year, we discovered that Pancreatic Cancer UK was going to be the Charity of the Year for the 2025 TCS London Marathon.
Claire
I know if there is one thing that will get me through the marathon, it will be thinking about my grandma.
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.
Helen
Helen was 44 when she started to notice symptoms. She later found out she had ampullary cancer, where the pancreatic duct and bile duct meet. One year on, she tells us about her difficult but successful treatments, and how she is living life to the full.
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.