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.
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.
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.