**Tragic Loss to ‘Silent Killer’: Nottinghamshire Family Shares Heartbreaking Story of Pancreatic Cancer**
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In a poignant and distressing account, the family of Michael Armishaw from Nottinghamshire recounted their struggle with pancreatic cancer, a disease often dubbed the “silent killer” for its lack of noticeable symptoms until it reaches advanced stages. Michael, aged 43, was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer after experiencing what was initially thought to be minor stomach discomfort.
In September 2025, Michael began feeling stomach pain which his family initially attributed to a benign stomach bug or issues such as gallstones. His sister, Claire Armishaw, shared that their first thoughts were not centred around cancer. “After a couple of weeks, his symptoms worsened,” she said. Following a visit to the doctor, tests were conducted, ostensibly to check for gallstones. However, the results delivered devastating news: Michael had pancreatic cancer that had already metastasised to other parts of his body, placing him in the advanced stage of the disease.
Claire described the family’s shock at receiving such a grim diagnosis. “You’re not expecting to be diagnosed with cancer, especially at his age,” she remarked. The emotional turbulence was compounded by the fact that just a year prior, they had lost their father to lung cancer. “We were all numb. They call it the silent killer as symptoms don’t appear until late on,” Claire reflected on the harsh reality of their situation.
The prognosis for pancreatic cancer is notoriously bleak. Medical statistics indicate that even when diagnosed at an earlier stage, survival rates remain worryingly low, with the five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer being merely 13%. As Michael’s symptoms progressed rapidly, he was repeatedly faced with feelings of guilt regarding his diagnosis. “Michael felt guilty about getting cancer because of what we’d been through as a family,” Claire recounted. “He kept saying he didn’t want us to go through it all again, but we reassured him it wasn’t his fault.”
Despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Michael’s battle against cancer proved relentless. By November, the disease had spread to his brain, leading to a seizure in April 2026. Tragically, Michael passed away surrounded by his family on April 26 of the same year. “It was devastating for all of us,” Claire expressed, mourning the profound loss of both her brother and father in such a short timespan.
In light of the emotional and financial toll this journey has taken, Claire has turned to fundraising, establishing a GoFundMe page to assist with the costs of Michael’s funeral. “How expensive a funeral is has been a surprise to us,” she acknowledged, highlighting the challenges families face during such times of grief.
Through her efforts to raise funds, Claire hopes to honour her brother’s memory while also drawing attention to the effects of pancreatic cancer, which continues to claim the lives of many. “He didn’t realise how much we all loved him,” she noted tearfully, expressing a desire for him to understand the depth of their affection in his absence. “I’m hoping that in death, he certainly does now.”
Michael’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of cancer and the urgent need for awareness about its warning signs. As Claire recalls her brother’s struggle, she aims to advocate for increased understanding and research into pancreatic cancer, which often remains undetected until it is too late.
The Armishaw family’s experience illustrates the profound impact that cancer has not only on the individual but on entire families grappling with loss. In sharing their story, they hope to raise awareness about this often-overlooked disease, encouraging others to seek medical attention for unexplained symptoms before it is too late.