From the cruel blow of diagnosis to marathon effort in mum's memory

A SOMERSET man has embarked on the “ultimate test” after his life was turned upside down in just an hour.

- LORNA HUGHES [e-mail]

Peter Dunlop was living in New Zealand when he was given devastating news from the other side of the world.

Peter and his wife Robyn called home after discovering they had been given settled status to stay in the country. It was during this phone call in September 2016 that they learned Peter’s mum Jane had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after experiencing stomach issues.

Jane told Peter and Robyn not to worry about her or rush back, however Peter's sister-in-law, who was also on the call broke the news that Jane had been given months left to live. The couple were devastated to learn that it was unlikely she would even make it to Christmas.

Peter, 39 said: "I would put it down as one of the single worst days of my life, made worse by the fact that Robyn and I had just been offered full sponsorship to stay in New Zealand. We talked for an hour about how amazing the place was and how much we loved it.

"After listening and being so happy for us, mum hit us with the news that she had pancreatic cancer. I didn’t know what to say. I couldn’t speak. It was just catastrophic news to receive, especially when you are living two days’ flight away."