A marathon runner diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer is urging others not to overlook even the smallest health concerns after his own experience with what he initially thought were minor issues. His shocking diagnosis has transformed his life, inspiring him to raise awareness about this aggressive and often deadly disease.
### A Life-Altering Diagnosis
Lee Rawlinson, a 51-year-old medical sales representative and avid marathon runner from Essex, UK, lives with his wife, Faye, and their two children, Darcey, 10, and Marley, seven. On Halloween, Lee received the devastating news that he had pancreatic cancer, which had already spread to his liver. Doctors told him he had only months to live.
Despite the heartbreaking prognosis, Lee has chosen to focus on creating "magical memories” with his family during what he calls his "last Christmas.” The father of two has since shared his story to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer, hoping to prevent others from facing a similar fate.
"This will be my last Christmas,” Lee said. "I’m staring death in the face, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. But my fear isn’t dying—it’s leaving my wife and children behind.”
### The Warning Signs He Overlooked
Lee’s health struggles began in January when he noticed a persistent dull ache in his lower abdomen. At the time, he brushed it off as stress-related discomfort. After consulting his GP, he was referred to a gastroenterologist but faced a 21-week wait for further tests. Initial blood and urine tests showed no abnormalities, leading to no immediate follow-up.
By September, the pain had become unbearable. "I was taking painkillers every day, but they didn’t help. It felt like someone was slowly driving a metal rod through me,” Lee recalled. The pain eventually forced him to visit the emergency room at Southend University Hospital during his son’s football practice. A CT scan soon revealed the devastating truth: terminal pancreatic cancer.
### A Call for Awareness and Early Action
Looking back, Lee emphasized the importance of paying attention to your body and seeking medical advice for unusual symptoms. "I didn’t think much of the ache when it started,” he admitted. "But I wish I’d taken it more seriously and pushed for further tests earlier. Early detection could have made all the difference.”
Lee also discovered that his grandfather had pancreatic cancer, suggesting a genetic link. "The consultant told me sometimes it’s just your destiny,” he said. Through his story, Lee hopes to encourage others to act quickly if they notice persistent or unusual symptoms.
"If you have ongoing pain or something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it,” Lee urged. "Get it checked out, even if it seems minor. It could save your life.”
### Cherishing Every Moment
Despite his terminal diagnosis, Lee is determined to make the most of his remaining time with his family. He surprised his children with a trip to Lapland and is focused on creating lasting memories for them. "I want to be there for my kids, even if it’s only through the memories we make now,” he said.
Lee also highlighted the urgent need for more research and support for pancreatic cancer. "Survival rates for this disease haven’t improved much since the 1970s. That has to change,” he said. "We need to raise awareness so fewer families have to go through this.”
Lee continues to live each day with purpose, balancing the harsh reality of his diagnosis with the love and joy he shares with his family. His story serves as a powerful reminder to listen to your body, act on warning signs, and cherish every moment with loved ones.
