A father-of-two whose terminal cancer was mistaken for muscular back pain has died just months after he was finally given a diagnosis. Darren Mulqueen passed away aged just 35, just two months after his nagging back pain was diagnosed as terminal cancer of the liver and pancreas.
Darren, a former Army serviceman from Ealing, had been struggling with a bad back for around 18 months before his diagnosis, but was repeatedly told by his GP that the pain was muscular and was recommended paracetamol, MyLondon reports. But his pain got so bad in July this year that he was admitted to hospital.
A CT scan revealed the devastating news that he had spots and a tumour on his pancreas, and his cancer quickly spread to his liver. His cancer was too advanced for chemotherapy and he was given just two to three months to live.
After his tragic diagnosis, his mum Valerie gave up her job so she could travel the hour and a half journey to the hospital to be by Darren's side everyday, while his two young children also made regular visits. Sadly, Darren died in his hospital bed on September 28, with his girlfriend Vicky, his sister-in-law and his father by his side and the rest of his family arrived shortly after.
A fundraiser was launched by his sister Michelle to help raise money for Darren's funeral and so far more than £7,000 has been raised. Any extra funds raised will be saved for Darren's two children.
In a statement the family said: "Darren was so loved by his family and friends. He will be sadly missed. We are so glad we did get to spend the last few months together laughing and joking even though he was going through pain. The family would love to thank everyone who donated money through GoFundMe that had left us worry-free. Darren will get a nice send-off."
Since the news of his death, tributes have been pouring in on the fundraiser page. Darren's Auntie wrote: "Darren we love you, and will miss you always. Still can't quite believe you're gone but we know you're in Heaven, just like you wanted and deserved for being the amazing, caring angel that you are. We love you and you deserve the best. Auntie Lesley, Uncle Steve and Dani xxx."
Another wrote: "Dear Darren, words cannot express how we all feel. Paul never got the chance to meet you and I'm sad about that. Our thoughts are with you and all of your family going through this sad time and it was a pleasure to have met your children, but sad it was on such devastating circumstances. We love you so much and [are] sad this horrible disease cancer is taking you away from your family. God bless you dear nephew xx."
And a third said: "I knew your dad many years ago when I was 15. Then, seven years ago, I met your aunt Lesley and she became one of my dearest friends. It was ages before she and I worked out that I knew your dad. I may even have met you once when your dad came into Argos, Staples corner where I worked about six years ago. However all that is now besides the point. Your next journey has begun now, where only you can go - out in the universe to live amongst the stars."
If you wish to make a donation to the fund, visit the link here.
