A beloved father of three, Dylan Thomas Wakefield, tragically passed away at the age of 29, just weeks after experiencing severe stomach pain. The ordeal began when Dylan awoke in the middle of the night with a relentless, searing pain in the upper left side of his stomach, prompting him to seek medical attention.
Initially admitted to King’s Mill Hospital in Nottingham with suspected gastritis, Dylan’s condition rapidly worsened. Within days, he was diagnosed with severe acute pancreatitis, a condition that led to a dangerous drop in his blood pressure and necessitated an induced coma.
A Sudden and Heartbreaking Decline
Dylan, a pub landlord, initially showed signs of recovery after awakening from the coma two days later. Despite being “very poorly,” his condition stabilized enough for him to communicate with loved ones. On May 9, he posted a poignant message on social media, describing his ordeal as the “darkest chapter” of his life but vowing not to give up.
“What started as feeling unwell quickly became unbearable — a searing, relentless pain in my stomach that I knew wasn’t normal. Paramedics told me I was okay, but something inside me said otherwise. I drove myself to the hospital, barely holding it together.”
However, just three weeks later, Dylan’s health took a turn for the worse. He was placed into a second coma on May 25 and sadly passed away on May 28, leaving behind his children Lily, 12, Layton, nine, and Kingston, six.
Family and Community in Mourning
The news of Dylan’s passing has left his family and the community in shock. His brother, Nathan Lamb, expressed the family’s devastation, emphasizing Dylan’s youthful age and the unexpected nature of his death. “The whole ordeal has been a massive shock – we didn’t think he would die from this. He was so young – it is so unfair,” Nathan said.
Dylan was known for his love of life and his dedication to making those around him happy. “He was energetic – he loved singing and karaoke, and he was the life and soul of the room,” Nathan recalled.
Understanding Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Severe acute pancreatitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the pancreas, often leading to the death of pancreatic tissue. It can result from various causes, including excessive alcohol consumption, which Nathan suspects may have been a contributing factor in Dylan’s case. “Dylan liked a drink, but he was only 29 – issues like this you would think only start later in life,” Nathan explained.
According to medical experts, there is currently “no known treatment” for the disease, with care focused on managing symptoms and pain.
Dr. Sarah Collins, a gastroenterologist, noted, “Acute pancreatitis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical intervention. The condition can progress rapidly, and in severe cases, it can lead to multiple organ failure.”
Community Support and Next Steps
In the wake of Dylan’s passing, friends and family have rallied to support his loved ones. A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help cover funeral expenses, with many in the community contributing to honor Dylan’s memory.
Nathan shared, “His mum, Penelope, and his grandma, Carol, miss him deeply. He has eight siblings, and they all miss him. We were a very close family, and they all meant the world to him.”
As the family navigates this difficult time, they hold onto the memories of Dylan’s vibrant spirit and the love he shared with those around him. The community’s response highlights the profound impact he had on the lives of many, ensuring his legacy will not be forgotten.
