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.
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.
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.