Mark's Story
Mark's story is the reason behind OCAGI

Mark Grundy was a devoted father of two, a loving husband, and a cherished friend, brother, and uncle. On May 31, 2012, at age 49, he passed away from advanced oesophageal cancer, leaving behind his wife, Polly, and their sons.
For three years, Mark sought medical help for persistent heartburn and indigestion. Initially prescribed mild antacids, his symptoms worsened, but reassurances from his GP delayed further investigation. Even when his medication was strengthened, the discomfort continued. It wasn’t until February 2012, when Mark experienced difficulty swallowing, that further tests were ordered.
By March 8, 2012, an endoscopy revealed a tumor—undifferentiated cell adenocarcinoma. A CT scan the next day confirmed the cancer had already spread to his lungs. Within weeks, he was coughing up blood. By April, it had reached his brain. Less than three months after diagnosis, Mark was gone.
From this devastating experience, Mark and Polly learned the importance of early specialist referral—a lesson this organisation hopes to pass on. While not every oesophageal cancer story ends the same way, Mark’s journey underscores a critical message:
"There’s no such thing as harmless heartburn."