My dad thought he had a virus but three months later he was dead "We were angry really, and you look for someone to blame - but obviously there is no one to blame" Grace Gillen and her dad Eamonn (Image: Gillen family ) A woman is taking a stand against a deadly disease after losing her beloved dad. Grace Gillen's dad Eamonn was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2023 - five days later, he was dead. Eamonn, who was born in Knotty Ash and lived in Birkdale, began suffering strange symptoms in December 2022. Grace, 33, said: "He had been fine in November. He was a keen runner, and then in December he began feeling rough, like he had a virus. ‌ "Over Christmas he started feeling worse and worse. Every day he had less energy and felt worse. One side of his face began to droop as if he'd had a stroke." Article continues below After going through a number of inconclusive blood tests, the dad-of-three went to A&E at Southport hospital, where a CT scan was ordered. Results suggested he had kidney cancer - but the spread was unusually aggressive. A biopsy was ordered but inconclusive results and delays meant that Eamonn didn’t receive his official diagnosis of pancreatic cancer until just five days before his death in March 2023. Grace said: "Pancreatic cancer is really aggressive and spreads quickly. From the start of December he was just continuously getting worse. When we got our initial cancer diagnosis at the end of January, by that point it was far too advanced. It had gone too far. ‌ "It was a huge shock. About two weeks later he started getting bad pain in his stomach, his stomach swelled up and he went into hospital. It was around mid-February we found out it was stage 4 and he wasn't going to get better. "It was very hard, because he was on his own in A&E at 2am when they gave him that news. We were angry really, and you look for someone to blame - but obviously there is no one to blame. Cancer is to blame." ‌ Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer, with more than half of people dying within three months of diagnosis. Currently, no screening programmes or early detection tests exist to help doctors diagnose pancreatic cancer and its vague symptoms - back pain, unexpected weight loss and indigestion - are also common to many less serious conditions. As a result, around 80% of people are not diagnosed until their cancer is at an advanced stage, meaning that it is too late for them to have life-saving surgery. In memory of her dad, Grace is due to take part in the TCS London Marathon in support of the race's Charity of the Year, Pancreatic Cancer UK. ‌ The money raised will go towards vital research to develop the first-ever early detection test for pancreatic cancer. Eamonn with his daughter Grace, son Joe, late wife Georgina, and daughter Anita (Image: Gillen family ) It is hoped this will give people the chance to have life-saving treatment. The charity is aiming to raise £2m to help change the story for the 10,500 people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year across the UK. ‌ Grace said: "There's a perception that pancreatic cancer doesn't get the attention other cancers get, and because the symptoms are so vague it is diagnosed far too late. "When I heard the London marathon was partnering with the charity I knew it was something I wanted to do. It just felt right to turn something so negative into a positive. "The research they are doing will help fund screening which will give people more time with their loved ones and more time to get treatment. That's precious time I didn't get with my dad, but someone else might be able to get that in the future" ‌ Despite the disease’s low survival rate, pancreatic cancer receives just 3% of the annual UK cancer research budget. In stark contrast to other cancers, where significant progress has been made to improve survival rates, pancreatic cancer survival rates have not improved since the 1970s. Sadly, less than 7% of those diagnosed with the deadliest common cancer in the UK survive beyond five years. Grace's fundraiser in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK has already exceeding its £2,500 target, raising more than £3,400 so far. She said: "My dad was a very positive person with an amazing outlook on life. He was really warm, welcoming, always the first to buy a round of drinks. He would be friends with anyone, and would chat with anyone and would make anyone feel seen and heard. He would love to know that some good was coming out of his death." Article continues below Diana Jupp, CEO at Pancreatic Cancer UK said: “The magnitude of this opportunity cannot be overstated. The 2025 TCS London Marathon is going to be one of the most significant days for pancreatic cancer ever and we are so, so proud of everyone running for Pancreatic Cancer UK." Pancreatic Cancer UK’s petition urging the government to fund vital research can be found here: pancreaticcancer.org.uk/unite-diagnose-save-lives/ To support Grace visit: https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/grace-gillen