A mum thought her cancer bloating was caused by a curry dinner.

Rachel Rutherford, 62, passed away from pancreatic cancer last year after a brutal 22-month battle.

Her daughter Debbie Rutherford, from Glasgow, is now warning others to be aware of symptoms to help get an early diagnosis.

It comes after the 30-year-old's mother began experiencing bloating in June 2020 which she put down to the fact she had eaten a curry for dinner.

When the feeling persisted, she contacted her GP but as the country was in the grip of the Covid -19 pandemic, it proved difficult to get a face-to-face appointment.

Glasgow Times: Debbie Rutherford photographed by Julie Howden to launch Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland’s Christmas fundraising campaign #MISSEDatChristmas at Kimpton Blythswood Square hotel in Glasgow. Debbie Rutherford photographed by Julie Howden to launch Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland’s Christmas fundraising campaign #MISSEDatChristmas at Kimpton Blythswood Square hotel in Glasgow. (Image: Sourced)

Rachel was prescribed indigestion medicine and was told by doctors that no further investigations were needed.

However, when her symptoms continued doctors agreed to refer her for a scan which revealed a mass on her pancreas in October 2020.

She underwent treatment to tackle the tumour but suffered life-threatening sepsis in hospital along with a serious bowel infection and a stomach ulcer.

Rachel then passed away on September, 14 in 2022 with her three children and her sister by her side.

Her family are now supporting Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland’s new MISSED at Christmas campaign to raise awareness.

Participants will receive a special purple heart to display in their loved one’s memory this Christmas while all donations go towards helping fight for earlier diagnosis.

Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest of all common cancers, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 8%.

Each year over 900 people in Scotland are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Around 26 people die from pancreatic cancer every day in the UK but with an early diagnosis, pancreatic cancer can be survived.

Debbie Rutherford said: “Mum was the centre of our world. She always made Christmas special for me, my brother and my sister.

“It is hard to believe that another year is ending without her. She is missed every day but is especially missed at Christmas.

“Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland’s new #MISSEDatChristmas campaign provides me and my family with a way to pay tribute to Mum this Christmas.”

Joe Kirwin, Chief Executive of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “Our #MISSEDatChristmas campaign offers an opportunity for people to remember their loved ones lost to pancreatic cancer.

"We’ve had special purple hearts made for people to display in their memory, and we’re sending these out to everyone who supports the campaign.

“In the UK, around 26 people die every day from pancreatic cancer. For just £10, you could help us get patients and their families vital information and support.

"All the money raised will go towards fighting for earlier diagnosis to help ensure that more people aren’t missed at Christmas.”