A passionate marathon runner and father of two, Lee Rawlinson from Essex, UK, is facing terminal pancreatic cancer after initially dismissing what seemed like minor health symptoms. His diagnosis came on Halloween, revealing that the cancer had already spread to his liver. Despite this heartbreaking news, Lee is using his story to raise awareness and urge others to take symptoms seriously—no matter how small they seem. Lee’s symptoms began with a dull ache in his lower abdomen back in January, which he thought was stress-related. Even after seeing his GP and being referred to a specialist, he faced long wait times and normal test results, which delayed further investigation. By September, the pain had become unbearable, leading him to the emergency room—where a CT scan revealed the devastating diagnosis.

Now focused on making cherished memories with his wife, Faye, and their children, Darcey and Marley, Lee spent what he calls his “last Christmas” creating joyful moments with his family. He surprised his kids with a magical trip to Lapland and is determined to leave them with beautiful memories despite his prognosis.

Lee’s story highlights the critical importance of early detection and listening to your body. He stresses that persistent or unusual pain shouldn’t be ignored. “Get checked out, even if it seems insignificant,” he urges. “It might save your life.”

In addition to advocating for early diagnosis, Lee is calling for increased research and support for pancreatic cancer. He hopes his journey inspires others to take action and push for faster diagnosis and better outcomes for future patients.