A marathon runner’s world comes to a halt when he receives a life-changing diagnosis that turns his plans for the future into a countdown to his last Christmas with family. Lee Rawlinson, 51, learned on Halloween that he had pancreatic cancer, a disease that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the need to pay attention to subtle health changes that could indicate something much more serious.
Lee, a devoted father and athlete, had only one symptom that he easily missed earlier this year: pain in his lower abdomen. At the time, he chalked it up to stress and continued his active lifestyle. Unfortunately, by the time the pain became unbearable, the cancer had spread to his liver, rendering it inoperable.
Diagnosis and consequences
The devastating news came on October 31, a day that should have been filled with fun with his two children. Despite the shock, Lee hid his feelings and joined them trick-or-treating on Halloween. He did not break the news to his family until the next day, a moment he described as the most difficult in his life.
“I’m facing the jaws of death. I’m sailing towards it and I can’t do anything about it,” Lee told reporters. “What hurts me the most is leaving my children and my partner Faye behind. I will not be there when they are in trouble or to see my children grow in their talents.
Lee has months to live, but he is determined to make the most of his time. His community has rallied around him, helping him create cherished memories with his family, including a dream trip to Lapland and plans to watch Arsenal’s match against Crystal Palace on December 18.
The silent killer
Pancreatic cancer is known to be difficult to diagnose early. Symptoms can be vague and can easily be attributed to less serious conditions. According to the NHS, warning signs include:
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Constant fatigue and loss of appetite
- Abdominal or back pain
- Pale stools or dark urine
- Indigestion or bloating
In Lee’s case, the early signs seemed subtle: mild abdominal pain. But as the months passed, the pain intensified, forcing him to rely on heavy painkillers. Even then, relief was fleeting.
“By the time I got my diagnosis, it felt like a scaffolding pole had been pushed through my body,” he said.
A call for awareness
Lee’s story highlights the harsh reality of pancreatic cancer, a disease whose survival rate has only rarely improved since the 1970s. Determined to make a difference, he is using his remaining time to raise awareness and advocate for better detection methods.
“Survival for pancreatic cancer should improve. This disease should not ruin the life of another young family,” he assured me.
Despite his grim diagnosis, Lee remains focused on cherishing every moment with his loved ones. His courage and resilience inspire his community and serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of listening to your body.
The family’s last Christmas
As Lee prepares for what he calls his “last Christmas,” he is prioritizing joy over sadness. His children, Marley and Darcy, find solace in their passions for football and theatre, while his partner, Faye, is his anchor during this difficult time.
“This Christmas is not about mourning what is to come,” Lee says. “It’s about celebrating the life we have now as a family.”
Lee Rawlinson’s journey is a call to action for all of us: cherish the moments with your loved ones, pay attention to your health, and never ignore the signs your body is giving you.
Related to