Lee Rawlinson, a 51-year-old marathon runner from Essex, received a terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis after experiencing a minor symptom. On October 31, he was told he had months to live, with the disease having spread to his liver. Despite this grim news, Lee spent Halloween with his children, Darcey, 10, and Marley, 7, trick-or-treating, and didn’t inform them of the diagnosis until the following day.
Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. It is known to be one of the deadliest cancers, with more than half of those diagnosed passing away within three months. The symptoms of pancreatic cancer can include jaundice, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, pain in the stomach and back, indigestion, and changes in bowel movements.
For Lee, the journey to diagnosis started in January when he experienced a dull ache in his lower abdomen. He initially dismissed it as stress but saw a doctor after the pain persisted. Despite a 21-week wait and normal blood test results, his pain became unbearable by September. He described it as a “scaffolding pole” being pushed through his body, radiating to his back, and taking painkillers provided no relief.
Despite being diagnosed with terminal cancer, Lee remains focused on making his remaining time memorable for his family. His last Christmas will be spent with them, and he expressed his fear of leaving his children and partner, Faye, behind. “I fear not being there for them when they need me most,” he said. “I want to see my children grow and not miss their milestones.” He also voiced his frustration with the lack of progress in survival rates for pancreatic cancer since the 1970s, advocating for change to prevent other families from facing similar tragedies.
In the midst of this difficult journey, Lee is determined to create special memories with his family. They will attend an Arsenal match against Crystal Palace on December 18, and thanks to the support of their community, they will also travel to Lapland for a family trip. Lee’s children will experience flying for the first time and enjoy the snowy landscape, creating lasting memories in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on the future, Lee said, “We are living the magic dream. Through such sad circumstances, we are living our best life.” He is focused on making the most of his time with his loved ones, cherishing every moment. Despite the heartbreaking diagnosis, Lee’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of family, resilience, and living life to the fullest.
