Laura Dawson, 44, initially believed her symptoms of bloating and lethargy were due to perimenopause. It wasn’t until she collapsed from severe stomach pain that the truth emerged—she had stage three bowel cancer. Emergency surgery followed, and a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis.

Her husband, Ben Dawson, 49, shared that early scans after six months of chemotherapy seemed promising. For a brief time, there was hope that the treatment was working. However, in September, the family was devastated to learn that the cancer had returned and spread.

Faced with limited options, Laura made the difficult decision to stop further treatment two months before her death. She chose instead to focus on spending meaningful, peaceful time with her loved ones, prioritizing quality of life over prolonged suffering.

St. Christopher’s Hospice in south-east London played a crucial role in Laura’s final chapter. With their support, she was able to stay at home for as long as possible, surrounded by the people she loved, in a setting of comfort and dignity.

Even in the face of terminal illness, Laura embraced life with grace. She called her final days “some of the happiest” of her life, reflecting that cancer forced her to acknowledge death but also allowed her to live more fully than ever before.

Laura and Ben were honest with their two sons, Jacob, 17, and Theo, 15. The family had open conversations about the prognosis, helping the boys emotionally prepare and reinforcing a sense of trust and connection during a heartbreaking time.

Before passing on June 29, Laura left behind keepsakes, letters, and symbolic gifts—like watches for her sons to wear on special occasions. Ben described her as generous and joyful, saying she gave her family the priceless gift of love and presence even in death.