A woman has shared the heartbreaking story of her father, who died just six days after receiving a formal diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Eamonn, 58, passed away on March 16, 2023, after a months-long struggle to get a diagnosis.
In November 2022, his daughter Grace noticed he had lost weight, but they thought little of it. By December, he had a persistent virus, fatigue, and acid reflux. Weeks later, shingles caused one side of his face to droop. In early January, he went to A&E for a CT scan, which revealed cancer initially found in his kidney. Biopsies were inconclusive, and a formal diagnosis was delayed until March 10.
Despite the lack of a full diagnosis, palliative care began in early March. Eamonn was given a hospital bed and received visits from GPs, community nurses, and palliative care nurses. He slipped into unconsciousness around March 12, and a nurse predicted he would die within 24 hours. However, he held on until his best friend Neal visited a few days later.
Grace described the peaceful final moments: 'We all said goodnight to him, and my step-mum Georgina whispered in his ear, “It’s time now babe, you can go, we’re all going to be OK”.' After his death, the family toasted with champagne, making jokes and crying.
Six months later, Georgina was diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer. Thanks to her experience with Eamonn, she asked about her prognosis and received prompt treatment. Grace noted the stark contrast in care: 'Georgina was put straight into emergency surgery and started chemo three weeks later.'
Pancreatic Cancer UK has unveiled Shoes of Hope, an installation of 797 pairs of trainers along the River Thames, each symbolising a life lost to the disease each month. Grace donated a pair in memory of her father. The charity hopes the display will raise awareness and fund research into early detection.
