Plasterer's Back Pain Diagnosed as Terminal Cancer
Kris Cooke, a 46-year-old plasterer from Erith in south-east London, initially dismissed his back pain as a minor injury from work or an uncomfortable new mattress. However, this discomfort has led to a devastating diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer, with doctors giving him less than a year to live.
Sudden Hospitalisation and Shocking Diagnosis
On January 13, Kris was rushed to hospital experiencing severe shortness of breath and pain in the upper right side of his back. Medical examinations revealed a collapsed left lung, multiple blood clots around his heart, and a concerning lump on his pancreas.
A few days later, tests confirmed the lump was aggressive pancreatic cancer, and Kris was immediately referred to palliative care services. His close friend Louise Comiskey, 43, from Dartford in Kent, expressed the community's shock at the diagnosis, noting that Kris maintained an exceptionally healthy lifestyle as a vegan who practised yoga regularly.
Emergency Wedding Ceremony
Kris had been planning to marry his long-term girlfriend Maria, who is the sister of his late childhood best friend. The couple had been trying for a baby together and were looking forward to their future.
Faced with the devastating prognosis, they decided not to wait. On January 19, they held an intimate wedding ceremony in Kris's hospital room, determined to marry while they still had the opportunity. Tragically, the following day brought even worse news - the cancer had spread to his liver, reducing his life expectancy to just six to twelve months.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
Maria, a 42-year-old mother of three who works as a full-time carer, described the diagnosis as "a ridiculous shock". She emphasised how Kris had always been health-conscious, avoiding processed foods and maintaining a vegetarian diet.
Louise and other friends have organised a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs and provide financial support for Kris's family. The fundraiser has already attracted over £5,500 in donations, which Louise attributes to Kris being a "social butterfly" who is widely loved within his community.
Treatment and Awareness Campaign
Kris is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment in an effort to extend his life for as long as possible. He requires significant morphine to manage his pain and experiences extreme fatigue from both the cancer and treatment.
His family and friends are now determined to raise awareness about the importance of seeking medical attention for persistent aches and pains. They particularly want to reach people in physically demanding professions like construction, where workers often dismiss discomfort as normal occupational hazards.
Maria stressed: "He wants builders especially to be more aware. He worked as a builder for years and they are used to having injuries and back pain. They need to stop ignoring it and get checked out."
Louise added a broader warning: "It can happen to anybody. If you have an ache, even if you are fit and well, don't ignore it. Always get checked out."
The family hopes that by sharing Kris's story, they might prevent others from making similar assumptions about their health and encourage earlier medical intervention when symptoms persist.
