A 44-year-old man from Cardiff died in Cyprus after developing severe pancreatitis while visiting the island with his fiancée to celebrate their third anniversary.
Paulo Brockway and his fiancée, Kerry Debono, travelled to Cyprus in mid-September. On September 16, the day they were due to return to Wales, Brockway became seriously ill and was taken to hospital.
Condition deteriorated rapidly
According to reports in the British press, doctors initially believed Brockway was suffering from food poisoning. Tests later showed that he had pancreatitis and that his pancreas had stopped functioning.
His condition subsequently deteriorated after he developed a severe infection and suffered two heart attacks.
Brockway died in hospital on September 17.
Family describes devastating loss
Brockway’s family said he had sought medical help in the months before his death after experiencing abdominal pain and severe fatigue. They said the seriousness of his condition had not been identified.
His sister, Samantha Brockway, described his death as devastating for the family.
She said his relationship with Debono had made him particularly happy and that the couple had been planning to marry next year.
“He was a father, a loving fiancé, brother and son and he was only 44,” Samantha said, adding that he was devoted to his 12-year-old son and deeply loved his family.
Fundraising campaign launched
The family has launched a fundraising campaign to cover the cost of repatriating Brockway’s body to Wales and funeral expenses.
Debono described herself as “heartbroken” over his death in a message on the fundraising page.
She said Brockway had become particularly interested in hiking over the past three years and had taken part in climbs to raise money for charity.
The family is also seeking to raise awareness of pancreatitis and its symptoms.
Pancreatitis symptoms
According to the NHS, abdominal pain is a key symptom of pancreatitis, while nausea and vomiting can also occur.
The NHS advises seeking emergency medical attention for sudden and severe abdominal pain that spreads to the back, breathing difficulties or blue or bruised-looking skin.
Also read: Paphos: Father pleaded guilty to spare family lengthy trial over toddler’s death
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
