A beloved father of three, Dylan Thomas Wakefield, tragically passed away at the age of 29, just weeks after waking up with severe stomach pain. On April 24, Dylan experienced a relentless searing pain in the upper left side of his stomach, prompting him to seek medical attention at King’s Mill Hospital in Nottingham.
Initially diagnosed with suspected gastritis, Dylan’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Within days, he was diagnosed with severe acute pancreatitis and placed in a medically induced coma after his blood pressure dropped dangerously low. Despite briefly regaining consciousness, Dylan succumbed to the illness on May 28, leaving his family and community in shock.
The Sudden Onset of Severe Illness
Dylan’s ordeal began unexpectedly. Staying with his sister Caitlin Lamb, he was awakened by intense pain that he instinctively knew was abnormal. Despite the initial diagnosis of gastritis, further tests revealed acute severe necrotizing pancreatitis, a condition where pancreatic tissue dies due to inflammation and impaired blood supply.
His brother, Nathan Lamb, recounted the harrowing experience: “The doctors told us it was to let his body rest. They attached him to several machines and told us they would be taking over to let Dylan’s body focus on getting stronger.”
A Brief Glimmer of Hope
To the family’s relief, Dylan awoke from his coma on April 29. Although still in critical condition, he managed to communicate with loved ones, sharing a heartfelt message on social media. In his post, he described the ordeal as the darkest chapter of his life but expressed determination to fight on.
“What started as feeling unwell quickly became unbearable — a searing, relentless pain in my stomach that I knew wasn’t normal. On April 29, I opened my eyes – but the fight is far from over. I’m still here and I’m not giving up.”
The message garnered an outpouring of support, with over 70 messages from friends and family offering encouragement and prayers for his recovery.
The Final Days and Unanswered Questions
Despite initial signs of improvement, Dylan’s health took a turn for the worse. On May 25, he was placed back into a coma, and he passed away three days later. The exact cause of his pancreatitis remains unclear, though Nathan suspects alcohol intake may have been a contributing factor.
“Dylan liked a drink, but he was only 29 – issues like this you would think only start later in life. He had his whole future ahead of him – it is so unfair,” Nathan lamented.
Doctors informed the family that there is no known treatment for the disease, only management of symptoms and pain relief. The sudden loss has left a void in the lives of his children, Lily, 12, Layton, nine, and Kingston, six.
A Community in Mourning
Dylan’s passing has deeply affected his family and the wider community. His mother, Penelope, and grandmother, Carol, along with his eight siblings, are struggling to come to terms with the loss of someone so young and full of life.
“He was such a lovely brother to all of his nine siblings – all he wanted was for people to be happy and enjoying themselves at all times,” Nathan shared. “He was energetic – he loved singing and karaoke, and he was the life and soul of the room.”
In the wake of this tragedy, friends have set up a crowdfunding campaign to assist with funeral expenses. Those wishing to support the family can contribute via GoFundMe.
The community’s response highlights the impact Dylan had on those around him, remembered not only as a father and brother but as a vibrant personality who brought joy to many. As his family navigates this difficult time, they hold onto the memories of his love and laughter.