2023 Stories

Throughout November, we share a powerful pancreatitis story each day as part of our Kranky Panky campaign. It's an emotional journey, but a vital one.

Sophie’s story

Sophie started experiencing pancreatitis symptoms in 2021. She shares her experiences from hospital and also how her mental health has...

Clare’s story

Ten days into an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle, Clare started experiencing pancreatitis symptoms. Despite the pain increasing, she worried...
A woman and man is stood in front of a house and they are holding the Guts UK banner together. The woman is wearing a green helmet and both are smiling at the camera.

Dave’s story

David and his family share David's pancreatitis journey so far and how they were determined to turn their pain into...

Darren’s story

Darren's symptoms worsened around Christmas time, which halted plans with family. Now he shares his story as he awaits a...

Jack’s story

Jack’s story is told by his mother, Philippa. Jack’s father Ian and his sister Lizzie help tell Jack’s story too. "We...

Wayne’s story

Wayne's story is told by his wife, Melissa. "It was Wayne’s 47th birthday, so the boys and I video called...

Seren’s story

Seren's story is told by her mum, Abi. “Take me back to hospital, I can’t do it anymore mummy”. Seren...

Stuart’s story

Stuart first thought he had flu and headed off to bed to rest. A few days later, he was sent...

Ainsley’s story

At 3am on Christmas Day, Ainsley woke up suddenly in agony and thought he was dying. He was rushed to...

Em’s Pancreatitis Story

"The doctor said it's all in my head, so I just need to get used to coping with it." Em...

Camille’s story

In April 2022, Camille ended up in hospital alone after experiencing pain worse than childbirth. All of a sudden, she...

Brian’s story

In February 2023, Brian collapsed and was taken into intensive care in hospital. He had multiple organ failure and severe...

Nicky’s story

In September 2018, Nicky had a terrible pancreatitis attack. He felt like he was dying. In hospital, he developed sepsis,...

Andrew’s story

Andrew returned from playing golf with a friend, had a shower and blacked out from pain. He was taken to...

Molly’s story

One evening, Molly started vomiting blood clots and was in severe pain. Her friend, Annabelle, thought she was dying.

Rabia’s Story

Rabia kept experiencing regular attacks of pain and vomiting, which would calm after a few days. But one day, the...

Austin’s Story

Jo's son, Austin, had diarrhoea up to 25 times per day and nobody could give their family an answer.

Tom’s story

Tom didn't sleep for seven days in hospital. He was discharged with a bottle of painkillers and no information.

Jackie’s story

Now 51, Jackie was only 17 when she first started experiencing pancreatitis symptoms. She is keen to raise awareness and...

Lucy and Peter’s Story

When Lucy was diagnosed with pancreatitis, she struggled to understand what was happening. Nobody could predict that it would strike...

Donna’s story

Until 37, Donna had no idea what her pancreas was or of the vital job it has. She shares her...

Vishnu’s story

Vishnu shares with us how pancreatitis is always in the back of his mind and why he feels now is...

Keiran’s story

At the end of 2022, Keiran thought he had caught a virus. The symptoms that followed started his journey to...

Sammy’s story

When Sammy experienced a pain, which in her words "was far worse than childbirth", she thought she was having a...

Emma’s story

Emma experienced heartburn-like symptoms that soon increased in severity. She thought the worst. But she shares her story with hope...

Caroline’s Story

Over Christmas 2022, Caroline wondered if she'd overdone it on food. New Years Eve arrived and her pancreatitis symptoms became...

Klara’s story

One night in May, Klara went to bed in agony. The pain was like nothing she'd felt before. She shares...

Robert’s story

Just days before his 79th birthday, Robert was in hospital with pancreas pains and had been losing weight. He shares...

Iwona’s story

After experiencing pancreas pain during her childhood and teenage years, Iwona experienced her first acute pancreatitis attack in 2005. Attacks...

Jim’s Story

When Jim entered the doors of A&E, the doctor took one look at his tests and told Jim, "It's serious"....