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Laura Dawson, a 44-year-old mother of two from London, mistook months of morning bloating and fatigue for perimenopause. In reality, she had stage three bowel cancer. One night, severe abdominal pain sent her to A\&E, where emergency surgery removed a bowel obstruction. Tests confirmed cancer, and Dawson began six months of chemotherapy.
Her husband Ben recalls one clear scan in August that brought hope—only for the cancer to return and spread by September. Further chemotherapy offered little benefit, and two months ago Laura chose to stop treatment, focusing on time with family and friends.
Supported by St Christopher’s Hospice, she spent her final weeks at home, later moving into the hospice where compassionate care gave her dignity and comfort. Laura passed away on June 29 with Ben at her side.
Reflecting on her journey, she said facing death helped her live more fully: “Some of the happiest days of my life have been in the last few weeks.”
