Lee Rawlinson, 51, a dedicated marathon runner and father of two, was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer after initially dismissing mild symptoms. The Essex resident is now urging others to take even small health changes seriously.
In January, Lee noticed a dull ache in his lower abdomen, which he attributed to stress. Despite seeing his GP and being referred to a specialist, he waited 21 weeks for further testing. Blood and urine tests came back clear, and the issue was left unresolved.
By September, the pain worsened significantly. “It felt like someone was slowly pushing a scaffolding pole right through me,” he recalled. After a trip to the ER, a CT scan revealed the devastating truth: pancreatic cancer that had already spread to his liver.
Told he had just months to live, Lee focused on making memories with his wife, Faye, and their two children, Darcey and Marley. “I’m sailing toward death and can’t stop it,” he said. “But my fear is leaving my children and wife behind.”
Lee’s experience underscores the importance of early detection. “I wish I’d pushed for more tests earlier,” he said. He also discovered a family history of the disease, learning his grandfather had also been diagnosed.
Despite his prognosis, Lee took his children to Lapland and continues to advocate for awareness and improved survival rates. “Pancreatic cancer hasn’t seen progress in decades — that must change,” he said.
His message is simple: “If something feels wrong, don’t ignore it. Get checked. It might save your life.”
