A DAD-of-three died of bone cancer aged 38 – after thinking he had simply pulled a muscle in his leg.
Jack Dawson lived an extremely active life, having played rugby for many years and travelling.
The young dad was stunned to be told he had cancer, when he went for help for a suspected muscle niggle.
His best friend, Jack Purcell, told Wales Online: "It just came so out of the blue and rocked everyone, for someone that was so traditionally fit and healthy it was difficult to take and very overwhelming. It just felt unfair."
Jack was a keen rugby player, who made a name for himself among the sporting community.
Before being hit with bone cancer, he was an athletic young man who lived all over the world before setting up a home in Wales with his family.
He tragically died just seven months after being diagnosed with the fatal disease.
His friends have set up a fundraising page for a bench overlooking his favourite surf beach in South Wales.
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Any leftover money will give given to his partner, Alice, for her and their kids – Evie, 6, Annabel, 4 and George, 20 months.
Bone pain is the most common symptom of bone cancer – usually beginning with a feeling of tenderness, which could be mistaken for muscle pain.
The NHS says it can develop into a persistent ache or one that comes and goes, but doesn't stop when resting or at night.
Jack added: "He just really embraced life and travelled a lot, he knew people from all over the world after living in Australia for several years before returning to South Wales with Alice.
"The overwhelming thing for me is I've had people contact me from Australia, Canada, America and Hong Kong talking about the impact he had on them and wanting to help out. He's left a lasting impression on people.
"He was an incredible dad, he was relentless on the rugby field and so competitive but off the field he was such a gentle bloke and it really reflected in his kids and how he looked after them.
"He always wanted to take the kids outdoors and would take any opportunity to do so, he was a really special bloke."
Bone cancer is quite rare in the UK, with around 550 new cases diagnosed each year.
As well as bone pain some people also experience swelling and redness (inflammation). or notice a lump on or around the affected bone.
Less common symptoms can include:
- a high temperature
- unexplained weight loss
- sweating, particularly at night
If you are worried and have noticed a new pain in a bone, do make an appointment to talk it over with your GP.
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