Rachael Smith, a 36-year-old biologist from Newcastle, never imagined that she would have to watch her husband, Dave Smith, take his last breath after a harrowing three-month battle with cancer. On May 28, Rachael found herself staring into the eyes of her “soulmate” as he passed away at home, a moment that was both “traumatic” and a “relief” as his suffering finally ended, told The Mirror.
Dave Smith, a 58-year-old chemical engineer consultant, had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on February 2, 2024. For years, he had ignored the persistent pain in his abdomen and changes in his bowel movements, attributing them to old age. By the time he sought medical help, his health had deteriorated drastically. “His blase attitude to his health cost him his life,” Rachael reflected with a heavy heart.
As Dave’s condition worsened, he lost four stones in weight and began to look like a “skeleton.” Despite the severity of his illness, Dave chose not to undergo chemotherapy, wanting instead to spend his final days at home with Rachael by his side. The couple had met in 2016 and bonded over their shared love of horses, never expecting their time together would be cut so tragically short.
Rachael’s love and concern for Dave were evident as she described the progression of his illness. She had noticed changes in his bowel movements over two years ago, but they initially laughed it off. However, as Dave began to look older and started to complain of indigestion, Rachael’s worries grew. Yet, it wasn’t until January 2024, after a sudden onset of severe pain, that the true nature of his condition was revealed—Dave had multiple tumors on his liver and pancreas.
In the final months of his life, Dave’s health declined rapidly. “I didn’t think that he could possibly lose any more weight, but he did, and it was so upsetting to see,” Rachael recounted. Despite the grim prognosis, Dave was determined to spend his last days at home, where he could be surrounded by love and familiar comforts.
On that fateful evening in May, as Rachael lay beside him, Dave became restless. She placed her head on his, calming him in his final moments. “I decided to just look at him because I just thought, he’s nudging me, maybe he’s trying to get my attention,” she recalled. And in that moment, as they locked eyes, Dave took his last breath.
Rachael now hopes that her husband’s story will serve as a warning to others about the dangers of ignoring seemingly “minor symptoms” that could indicate a serious illness like pancreatic cancer. “Take your health seriously and be an advocate for your own health,” she advises. “You know your own body better than anyone.”
In the wake of her devastating loss, Rachael is determined to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer and the importance of early detection. Through her grief, she continues to honor Dave’s memory by sharing their story, hoping that it might help save others from the same fate.