Ronald Gibbins

It has been with extreme sadness that we announced the passing of our husband, Dad & Grandad on December 11th.

We wish to firstly thank everyone for all the lovely messages, words, stories and photos we have received.

We also wanted to say that we understand the sadness and shock that has been felt by many. Especially those who were not aware prior. However, due to the very short time we had and the intensity of the situation, we were unable to share this with everyone at the time whilst also respecting Dad's wishes and privacy. We do however wish to inform you of some of the details, not only to raise awareness, but to speak his truth about just how devastating this has all been for both Dad and the family alike. It wasn't his time but sadly the world had other plans.

On September 21st, Dad was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer after some weeks of investigation. Prognosis however was good and we were on track to have discussions regarding treatment options. All feeling very positive and relaxed regarding the situation, especially as he was under the team at UCLH in which I work and because it was low grade, contained and treatable. Unfortunately, on October 3rd however, Dad was admitted into hospital locally and it is then that everything changed. He was diagnosed with a second primary cancer but this time it was advanced Pancreatic Cancer which had spread to both liver and lung. As you can imagine, it was a difficult and upsetting time for all. How unlucky to have two unrelated primary cancers. Following much investigation, we later found out that due to the Pancreatic Cancer, Dad had suffered some mini strokes over the first days in October but he thankfully, wasn't affected by these long term. Dad spent the majority of these last 10 weeks in hospital but we were incredibly grateful that we were able to have him home for the last 18 days, together as a family - being cared for by us and the most wonderful nurses and carers. He battled on for us, his heart was strong throughout and we are incredibly grateful for those final precious moments.

The cancer does not define him but we do wish for the common every day symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer to be made aware of - indigestion, tummy or back pain, changes to poo, unexplained weight loss or lack of appetite.

Despite all this, we of course, want Dad to be remembered in the ways he has been described by friends and family and will look back on his life for all the good and not for the sadness of the last ten weeks.

In his memory, we wish to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK. We know just how insidious this cancer can be but we want to be able to help prevent others ever going through what both he and the family have gone through and to raise awareness. More needs to be done to fund, detect and cure this cancer and we hope to raise funds in order to support this in his honour.