Paula’s Story

Tell us a little bit about Paula 

“Paula was more than just a stepmum. She was a beautiful, loving and vibrant woman who radiated warmth to everyone around her. A daughter, a partner, a stepmum, a sister, an auntie, a granddaughter and a special friend to many, Paula had so much life left to live when she passed away suddenly, aged 49 years old. She loved holidays and was enjoying her time in Cyprus when everything changed, in July 2024.”

What pancreatitis symptoms did Paula experience?

“Paula developed a sudden, severe stomach ache on the way to the beach, which was completely out of the blue. She then started being sick and rolling around on the floor in pain. Dad and I took her to a private hospital where her condition quickly deteriorated. She was taken to another hospital to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).”  

What led to her diagnosis? 

“Doctors investigated the potential causes of her extreme symptoms through imaging and tests, which led to her diagnosis of severe pancreatitis. We were told that she had necrotising pancreatitis (a serious complication of acute pancreatitis that occurs when part of the pancreas dies due to a loss of blood supply to the pancreas).” 

What happened next? 

“Unfortunately, Paula’s condition continued to worsen. She was transferred to another hospital in Cyprus for more advanced care, then moved again, where she stayed in hospital for two months. She was eventually flown back to the UK to receive hospital treatment. 

A week after arriving back in the UK, Paula passed away in hospital despite her medical team trying everything they could to save her.”  

How has pancreatitis impacted you and your loved ones’ lives? 

“Before Paula’s diagnosis, I had heard of pancreatitis, but I never realised how serious it can be. It brought about significant, life-altering challenges for her. It has been a devastating loss for her loved ones, highlighting the unpredictable and sometimes life-threatening nature of severe, acute pancreatitis. In the photo above, Paula looked absolutely stunning, and you would never have expected she would be so ill the next day, requiring admission to hospital.” 

Is there anything you and your loved ones would have found helpful to know before Paula’s diagnosis? 

“Due to the sudden nature of her illness, having more awareness of pancreatitis and how severe it can get may have been beneficial, although her case was extreme. Increased awareness of the symptoms and complications of pancreatitis, such as necrotising pancreatitis, could help those affected know when urgent medical care is needed. 

Knowing the limited treatment options available and the complexity of managing severe pancreatitis could prepare families for the challenges they may face.“ 

Why would you like to share Paula’s story?

“Her journey underpins the need for better awareness, research and funding for pancreatitis. The condition is so misunderstood and underfunded. If sharing Paula’s story can do one thing, I hope it brings about greater awareness. Pancreatitis can bring devastation to the people it impacts and their loved ones. I hope her legacy drives change, so that others may have better chances and more options in the future.“ 

Tell us a little about how you support Guts UK, in Paula’s memory 

“I have fundraised for Guts UK, raising £2,500 so far in her memory on her online tribute page. My sisters and I are planning to do something sponsored in the future to help her legacy shine brightly on.”

You can help create a brighter future for those like Paula and their loved ones

There is no effective treatment for pancreatitis. There is no cure.

Guts UK is dedicated to finding an effective treatment, a cure for this misunderstood and underfunded condition. We are building a community affected by pancreatitis, comforted in knowing they’re not alone.

Our guts have been underfunded and misunderstood for too long. Together, we can change that. Donate to our life-saving research today. Thank you.