My story:

In August 2022, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver. From the moment he had any idea he had cancer, it was already inoperable, terminal and his only option was palliative care.

After 7 weeks at Glenfield hospital, we got him home for just 2 weeks before he suffered a heart attack and went into Kettering hospital. Four days later he convinced them to discharge him. The next morning, he had a stroke and was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary. He was there for just over 2 weeks.

On 28th October 2022, my dad passed away.

His cancer diagnosis came completely out of the blue and as a total shock. He went from being super fit and healthy, to just 7 weeks later being unable to do simple tasks because of overwhelming fatigue and pain.

Survival rates for most cancers have improved greatly over the years thanks to support from charities funding vital research. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer has been left behind and is now the third deadliest cancer in the UK.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer are very hard to spot and often get misdiagnosed. This results in people getting diagnosed so late they are frequently at stage 4 before they know they have it.

Pancreatic cancer symptoms to look out for:

- Regular indigestion

- Tummy or back pain

- Changes to your poo

- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite

- Jaundice or itchy skin

I was going to do several running challenges to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK, but my hips have said no. Seeing as open water swimming is something I often did with my dad, I thought a swim marathon would be a great challenge!

A swim marathon is 13k, and this event is in the Thames, from Marlow to Henley.

I’d love to get your support. Just £1 from everyone I know would add up to a great total to support the research work of Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Thanks so much

Laura

Find out more about Pancreatic Cancer UK here