Laura Dawson, 44, misinterpreted her symptoms—fatigue and abdominal distension—as signs of perimenopause. However, she was actually diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer. After experiencing a collapse due to intense stomach pain, she was taken to A&E and underwent urgent surgery. A subsequent biopsy confirmed the cancer diagnosis.

Laura’s husband, Ben, 49, mentioned that the initial scans appeared “promising” following six months of chemotherapy. Yet, in September, they received the devastating news: the cancer had recurred and metastasized. Laura made the decision to discontinue treatment two months prior to her death, wishing to spend meaningful moments with her family rather than endure additional pain.

With the assistance of St. Christopher’s Hospice in south-east London, Laura was able to stay at home with her family, enjoying comfort and dignity. She later transitioned to hospice care, where she peacefully passed away on June 29, with Ben by her side.

In her final days, Laura discovered joy, describing them as “some of the happiest” of her life. “Cancer compelled me to confront death,” she remarked, “but since that moment, I’ve lived more fully than ever. That has been a gift.”