Dad died three weeks after cancer diagnosis

DAD died three weeks after receiving a devastating yet unexpected diagnosis.

- BY MEGAN BANNER

Nicola Pollin with daughters Isobel, Daisy and husband Geoff

Geoff Follin had begun experiencing back pain and indigestion in February 2024 with the father-of-three putting the signs down to ‘getting old’

However, in a shocking turn of events, the school teacher was told he had pancreatic cancer in May last year and just three weeks after his diagnosis he passed away at the age of 58.

His wife Nicola Follin, from Upholland village in Skelmersdale, shared how unexpected the devastating news was for the family.

She said: “As soon as they said pancreas, we both just looked at each other and thought the game's over pretty much.

“You're just in shock really.

“Palliative, that was what was mentioned, and they got the palliative team in straight away, who were amazing.

“He was in hospital for a couple more days and then discharged to home, with care being led by the hospice.

“We thought there were months left at that time and I think the doctors thought there was going to be a few months as well.”

The couple have three children Sam, 21, Isobel, 19, and Daisy, 17, who was sitting her GCSE exams at the time.

Sadly, Geoff's health deteriorated quickly and he died days after their 21st wedding anniversary.

According to Pancreatic Cancer UK the vague symptoms of pancreatic cancer means in up to 80 per cent of cases, the cancer goes undetected until after it has spread to other parts of the body.

It is the ‘deadliest’ common cancer, with more than half of people dying within just three months of their diagnosis.

Nicola has shared her husband’s story to support the launch of a national clinical trial into a breath test.

The breath test is being developed by Imperial College London.