‘Super fit’ mum, 43, died after doctors dismissed her tummy troubles as ‘food intolerances and IBS’

A FIT and healthy mum was told by doctors her persistent tummy problems were caused by a food intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome.

But two years later, Emma King’s symptoms became impossible to ignore, and a CT Scan “heartbreakingly” revealed incurable cancer.

Before her diagnosis, Emma, from Maidstone, was a regular at running clubs and sports classes and maintained an active and healthy lifestyle – something that made her subsequent diagnosis all the more shocking.

In 2017, aged 40, the Age UK worker started experiencing some worrying symptoms.

Her sister Hayley Penfold, 51, said what started as digestive issues evolved into persistent stomach problems, particularly on her right side.

“She was back and forth to the doctors who told her to keep a food diary and put it down to multiple food intolerances, IBS symptoms, and wheat sensitivity.

“But Emma was losing weight dramatically and being already slim, looked very unwell.

“Despite these ongoing issues, no scan was suggested.”

Two years later, in August 2019, Emma’s symptoms had become impossible to ignore.

“She knew her body and she knew this was more than a food intolerance,” said Hayley.

“A CT scan finally revealed a mass on her pancreas.

“Terrified, Emma had to wait another week to find out the results, until she was told the devastating news it was pancreatic cancer – and it had spread to the liver.

“While the cancer was considered manageable, it was, heartbreakingly, incurable.”

Emma underwent regular chemotherapy, complemented by CBD oil.

A few months later in December, her condition had deteriorated significantly, and she was rushed to hospital with pneumonia.

Emma’s family were with her all the time, including her husband Nick – her childhood sweetheart – and their three children – twin daughters Betty and Olive and son Ernie.

Hayley said: “She was never alone. We were convinced she would be in hospital over Christmas, and everyone was so sad for her and the children.

“Remarkably, Emma made it home just before Christmas, creating what would become precious final memories.

“Christmas 2019 was, in her words, ‘magical’ and ‘the best Christmas’, made especially meaningful by the presence of her all her
family.”

Final memories

Emma and Nick saved money for a dream trip to Disneyland Paris for all the children, which sadly had to be cancelled as Emma became too unwell to travel.

A short time later, local charity, Hayley’s Heroes, stepped in and paid for the family to visit Lapland UK.

But in a cruel turn of events, Emma was too unwell to go.

Hayley said: “Our close-knit family, friends and the community, also started Emma’s Army, rallying around her and raised an extraordinary sum of more than £40,000 for alternative treatments.”

As 2020 drew to a close, Emma’s health declined further, with lumps appearing in her back during October and November.

Her chemotherapy had stopped working and hormone injections didn’t help.

Hayley said: “Emma was determined to be alive for Christmas and put all her energy into being able to see her children open their presents on Christmas morning.

“Later in the day, having fought hard for that precious last
Christmas moment, Emma hit rock bottom.”

One week left to live

On January 4, 2021, the family received the news that Emma had approximately one week left.

She spent her final days ensuring her children were prepared, and three days before, sent them out of the house so they didn’t
have be there for her death.

On January 11, 2021, with her mum, stepfather and Nick by her side, Emma died peacefully at the age of 43.

Due to Covid restrictions, Emma’s funeral was limited to 30 people.

But her friends and family lined the streets to show their support, and the funds raised for Emma’s alternative treatments were directed towards her children’s university funds.

Heyley said: “My family continue to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer
Action and pancreatic cancer research.

“Emma’s sister Lydia ran the London marathon on her behalf, something which Em always wanted to do herself, raising
more than £5,000.”

Hayley hopes that by sharing her sister’s story it will help others recognise the symptoms of pancreatic cancer early enough to survive.

She’s also urging everyone to the ‘Give It Up for PanCan’ campaign
throughout January, which encourages participants to give up something meaningful to them – be it alcohol, sugar, social media, or another personal indulgence – to show solidarity and support for pancreatic cancer patients.

Funds raised through the campaign will help Pancreatic Cancer Action provide essential resources.

Hayley said: “Emma was a remarkable woman whose battle with pancreatic cancer touched countless lives.

“Before her diagnosis, Emma lived life to the fullest. She was
known for her caring nature and dedication to helping others.”

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, claiming 26 lives daily in the UK.

Many patients are diagnosed in A&E, where it’s often too late for effective treatment.

Despite its high mortality rate, pancreatic cancer receives only a small percentage of cancer research funding, underscoring the need for increased awareness and advocacy.

Find out the common symptoms of the disease below, and if you experience any of them, speak to your GP.