Plasterer who thought back pain was pulled muscle now only has months left

A plasterer who assumed his back pain stemmed from a pulled muscle or awkward sleeping position has been diagnosed with cancer and given less than a year to live. Kris Cooke, 46, endured several months of discomfort before seeking medical attention, believing it was simply the result of everyday wear and tear.

However, on January 13 the plasterer from Erith, south east London, was rushed to hospital with breathing difficulties and pain in the upper right of his back. X-rays showed that his left lung had collapsed and he had multiple blood clots surrounding his heart, along with a mass on his pancreas.

Days later, he received the heartbreaking diagnosis that this mass was advanced pancreatic cancer and he was referred to palliative care. His close friend Louise Comiskey, 43, from Dartford, Kent, says the news stunned everyone, as Kris was exceptionally fit and followed a vegan lifestyle.

She said: “He had a slight back pain for the last couple of months, but assumed it was a pulled muscle. He figured he pulled it at work or just slept funny because he just got a new mattress.

“Obviously it was very concerning and upsetting for everybody involved. It is devastating. The cancer is aggressive and quick.

“He is a very kind and beautiful soul. He is such a well-loved, well-liked, fun, easygoing, person. He has been so busy with people trying to visit him.

“We are just very shocked. He is vegan, he does yoga and he has never had a health issue.”

Kris had been attempting to conceive with his long-term partner Maria, who happens to be the sister of his late childhood best mate, and the couple were planning to wed. Therefore, on Monday, January 19, they held a wedding ceremony in his hospital ward, eager to exchange vows whilst they still had the opportunity.

Tragically, the following day Kris received the devastating news that the cancer had metastasised to his liver and he now faces just six to 12 months to live.

His wife Maria, 42, who is a mother-of-three, said: “It was a ridiculous shock. We are trying to cope as well as we can. He went to hospital because he thought he had strained a muscle.

“He was super healthy, he is a vegetarian, he doesn’t eat any processed food. He was really careful about what he eats.

“We wanted to get married anyway, that was the plan. Kris had found a ring. But when we found out the news, we just didn’t know how much time he had. We thought let’s just do it now.

“It was nice. It wasn’t what we wanted, but we are happy that we are married.”

Currently, Kris is receiving chemotherapy to prolong his life for as long as possible, though he remains extremely fatigued and requires substantial morphine for pain management. Louise and several of his other mates have established a GoFundMe page to assist with covering Kris’ funeral expenses and supporting his family. The page has already accumulated over £5,500, which Louise attributes to him being a “social butterfly” whom everyone adores.

She continued: “When the doctors said he wasn’t going to survive this he was very upset and almost catatonic at the time. Now he is trying to be positive and extend his life for as long as he can.

“He is a strong man. We just want the world for him. He just wants his partner not to have to worry about money. This is all very sudden. He just wants to look after his family.

“We started a GoFundMe page and within the first three days we got £5,000, which was amazing. He obviously never anticipated having to plan his own funeral.”

Kris’ family are now urging others to seek medical attention for any persistent discomfort, emphasising that this could affect anyone.

Maria, who works as a full-time carer, explained: “He wants builders especially to be more aware. He worked as a builder for years and they are used to having injuries and back pain. They need to stop ignoring it and get checked out.”

Louise emphasised: “It can happen to anybody. If you have an ache, even if you are fit and well, don’t ignore it. Always get checked out.”