He Doesn’t Fear Death, but What He Says About His Kids Will Hit You Hard!

Lee Rawlinson, a 51-year-old father of two from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, is preparing for what could be his last Christmas after receiving a devastating diagnosis. Earlier this year, Lee experienced a persistent “dull ache” in his lower abdomen, which he initially attributed to stress. By September, the discomfort had become excruciating, forcing him to seek urgent medical attention.

On Halloween, Lee was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. The disease had already spread to his liver, leaving doctors with no surgical options. “This will be my last Christmas,” Lee shared. “I’m facing the jaws of death. I’m sailing towards it, and I can’t do anything about it.”

Breaking the News to His Family

Despite the heartbreaking diagnosis, Lee chose to spend Halloween night trick-or-treating with his children, Darcey, 10, and Marley, 7. The next day, he sat them down to explain his condition. Marley’s innocent question cut through the family’s grief: “Is Daddy going to go into the clouds?” Lee’s response was both tender and resolute. “Yes, I am,” he told his son. “So we’re going to make magical memories and do things we’ve never done before.”

Lee’s wife, Faye, a speech and language therapist, has been his pillar of strength throughout this ordeal. Together, they’ve embraced the challenge of cherishing the time they have left as a family.

Raising Awareness About a Silent Killer

Pancreatic cancer is often referred to as the deadliest common cancer, with more than half of those diagnosed passing away within three months. Lee hopes his story will shine a spotlight on the disease and its elusive early symptoms. “Survival for pancreatic cancer has barely improved since the 1970s, and it’s got to change,” Lee said.

The warning signs are subtle and often dismissed. According to Pancreatic Cancer UK, symptoms may include abdominal and back pain, indigestion, sudden weight loss, jaundice, and changes in bowel habits. “If there are people who have got relatives with pancreatic cancer, then they are at high risk,” Lee added, referencing his own family history and his diagnosis of type 2 diabetes a decade ago.

Living Life to the Fullest

Determined to make the most of his remaining time, Lee and his family have embarked on adventures they once only dreamed of. They’ve been VIP guests at Wembley, mascots for Southend United, and have plans to attend an Arsenal match in December. Their most anticipated trip is to Lapland, where his children will fly for the first time and experience snow. “The kids are going to look out the window and see snow,” Lee said. “It’s going to be amazing.”

The outpouring of support from their community has been overwhelming. Local events, fundraisers, and messages of kindness have helped the family navigate this difficult journey. “Through such sad circumstances, we are living our best life,” Lee reflected.

A Legacy of Hope

Lee is channeling his energy into raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research. “I want to be like Bowelbabe, Deborah James. I want to be the face of a campaign,” he said. His message to others is simple yet profound: “Be kind because you don’t know what’s going on in people’s lives.”

A JustGiving page has been set up to support Lee and his family, ensuring they can create lasting memories together while also contributing to the fight against pancreatic cancer.

Lee’s courage and determination to turn his tragedy into a message of hope are a testament to his enduring love for his family. “I fear leaving my children and Faye behind,” he admitted. But even in the face of unimaginable adversity, he remains steadfast in his mission to make a difference.