Mum with stomach and back pain dies just one week after diagnosis

Maria Mason, a 57-year-old mother and grandmother from Ramsgate, Kent, died just one week after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to reports published on July 31, 2026. She had initially attributed her symptoms, stomach pains and back discomfort, to arthritis. However, doctors at the QEQM Hospital in Margate discovered the serious illness, which had already spread to her lungs, stomach, and lymph nodes. Maria’s son, Kay Mason-Johnson, shared that his mother passed away at the Pilgrims Hospice on July 23. He described her as “a courageous and beautiful” woman who fought bravely against the disease. “She deserved so much more time,” he said. The family has struggled to process the loss, particularly after learning of her cancer diagnosis and the subsequent need for pain management and end-of-life care. Kay explained that the emotional impact of the situation was overwhelming. “We’ve still not really got our heads around it fully,” he said. “We were just trying to take in the fact that she’s got cancer and then the next minute, we’re now going to have to do pain management and end-of-life care.” He recounted how he said goodbye to his mother at the hospice, describing the moment as unprepared and deeply painful. In addition to her battle with cancer, Maria faced personal challenges following the loss of her partner, Derek Saunders, 25 years earlier. The couple had been together for a decade and shared a deep bond, including annual trips to Thailand. “That was their little escapism. It was their happy place,” Kay said. “They met when I was just two years old and in him she found the love and happiness she’d always deserved.” Derek’s passing left a lasting mark on Maria, and she never fully recovered emotionally. After his death, Kay and Maria traveled to Thailand to scatter his ashes. “She’s never forgotten him,” Kay said. “Her final wish was to have her ashes scattered in Thailand so they could finally be together again.” The family is now raising funds to fulfill Maria’s last wish. The sudden nature of her illness left them without financial resources to cover funeral costs. Kay emphasized that even small donations would make a difference. “If you’re able to spare even £1, every single donation will help us give Mum the farewell she deserves,” he said. Maria is survived by her brother Carl and sister Helen. Her legacy includes her unwavering strength, kindness, and humor. Kay described her as someone who helped others despite her own hardships. “She wasn’t defined by her struggles; she was defined by her love, her strength, and the way she kept fighting,” he said. “Even in her final days, she showed courage that left everyone who knew and met her in awe.”