Charlie’s story

Trigger warning: This content contains themes of suicide.

Tell us a bit about yourself 

“My name is Sarah, and I live in High Wycombe with my husband. I have two sons, Reece and Danny, who are in their twenties. We’re a very close family and always have been.

I lost my first partner to suicide back in 2008, and my dad, Charlie, really stepped in to support me and the boys. He was an incredible grandfather. He filled that space with so much love, strength, and kindness. Both of my sons absolutely adored him.

In 2022, I remarried, and Dad walked me down the aisle at our wedding in Devon. It was such a beautiful weekend with all our family there, and I’ll be forever grateful we had that moment together.”

Can you tell us a bit about your dad?

“Dad was Maltese. He came to England in his twenties and met my mum not long after arriving. They were married for over fifty years. They did everything together, right down to working in the same greeting cards factory. When they retired, they enjoyed simple things like going for walks, spending time with family, and visiting Malta once a year to see Dad’s side of the family. For my honeymoon, the whole family went to Malta; there were about 21 of us, and we made amazing memories.

He was just one of those people everyone loved. He was fun, generous, and kind-hearted, and was always doing things for others. I’d come home and he’d have mowed my lawn, and he always helped with DIY projects.”

When did his symptoms start and what were they? 

“It happened out of nowhere. Dad was absolutely fine the day before; he was decorating his kitchen. The next evening, he had some stomach pains after dinner. They must have been bad because he went to bed, which isn’t like him.

He thought it was something he’d eaten, but the pain got worse. My mum suggested going to hospital, but Dad didn’t want to make a fuss. Eventually, she persuaded him, and they went to A&E. It was my birthday weekend, so I was out celebrating. At around 11:30pm I got a phone call from my brother, who lived with our parents, panicked that they weren’t home. I called mum, and she told us that they were at the hospital, so I went straight there.”

Can you talk us through his journey to diagnosis?

“At first, the doctors thought it might be a blocked gallstone, and they were going to x-ray him on the Monday because it was the early hours of Sunday morning.

By the time I arrived at the hospital Dad was in intensive care. It all escalated so quickly. But he still seemed fine. He was chatting away, telling the nurses it was my birthday weekend and that I shouldn’t have come.

The next morning, we were told he was stable. He was moved to a ward later that day, and we went home for a bit of rest. The next morning, everything changed. Dad called me sounding breathless and said he felt blocked up. Shortly after, the hospital rang to say he’d been moved back to intensive care.

When we arrived, they took us to a side room and told us he was critically ill. That’s when we first heard the words “necrotising acute pancreatitis.” We didn’t even know what that meant. They explained that his pancreas had died and that his organs were starting to fail. It was an unbelievable shock; we had no idea something like this could happen so suddenly.”

What treatment did your dad receive?

“The medical team were incredible. They tried everything from antibiotics, kidney dialysis, oxygen support, and machines to help his breathing. They put him in an induced coma and turned him onto his front to help his lungs because fluid had started filling them. They were doing everything possible to save him.

Unfortunately, his organs kept shutting down. The doctors told us there was nothing more they could do. We were all with him when he passed. They didn’t even need to turn off the machines, he slipped away on his own, peacefully, surrounded by all of us.”

Can you tell us about paying tribute to your dad?

“Instead of flowers, we raised money for Guts UK. We wanted to do something that would make a difference and something Dad would have been proud of. Since then, we’ve continued to fundraise for Guts UK through birthdays, family events, and my aunt’s 70th party. We even held it at one of Dad’s favourite pubs.”

What do you wish other people knew about acute pancreatitis?

“I wish people knew how quickly it can strike and how serious it is. Most people have never even heard of it – we certainly hadn’t. You always hear about pancreatic cancer, but not about pancreatitis.

If you have severe stomach pain that doesn’t go away, please take it seriously and get checked. It could save your life. If we’d have known more, maybe things could have been different.”

Why are you sharing your story today?

“Because we had no warning. One day, my dad was healthy and happy; a few days later, he was gone. If sharing our story helps even one person recognise the signs sooner, or one doctor look a little closer, then it’s worth it.

Dad was the kindest, happiest man you could ever meet. He would be so proud knowing that his story is helping others. That’s why we’ll keep raising awareness and supporting Guts UK – to honour him, and to help stop other families from going through what we have.”

About Guts UK

Pancreatitis is a priority area for Guts UK and we fund research into pancreatitis that has the potential to change lives. Our Kranky Panky Pancreatitis Awareness Campaign takes place each November and builds a community of those affected by pancreatitis, comforted in knowing they’re not alone. Our expert information allows those with acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis to take control of their health, and make informed decisions.

We believe it’s time the UK got to grips with guts. Your support takes us one step closer. Donate today.