Oscar-nominated Scottish screenwriter Lesley Paterson announces death of husband after cancer battle

The husband of Oscar-nominated Scottish screenwriter Lesley Paterson has died after a short battle with cancer.

The Stirling-born world champion triathlete and All Quiet On The Western Front screenwriter announced on Instagram that her “darling boy” Simon Marshall had died on Saturday.

In January this year, the couple revealed that the 51-year-old had been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer.

They had launched a fundraising appeal to help pay for extra treatments.

It had raised almost £100,000 since its launch in January.

On the GoFundMe page, Paterson wrote: “Life has a way of challenging us with unexpected obstacles, and right now, my husband Simon and I are facing the greatest test of our lives. Just eight weeks ago, Simon was diagnosed with late stage Pancreatic Cancer, thrusting us into a battle against a formidable foe. Guided by the unwavering spirit that has defined our lives, we are determined to conquer this monumental challenge.

“Simon was on the brink of a remarkable new chapter in his career when this diagnosis disrupted our plans, impacting us emotionally, physically, and financially. While we are fortunate to have excellent insurance, the standard care options available for Pancreatic Cancer can be somewhat limiting in their effectiveness. In our quest for the best possible outcome, we are exploring new and emerging treatments, therapies, and modalities.

“These groundbreaking approaches offer hope, but they come at a significant cost. In our pursuit of victory over this relentless adversary, we find ourselves in need of support from our incredible community – our friends and family who have always stood by us through thick and thin.”

Paterson, who won a Bafta and was Oscar-nominated for her adapted screenplay for 2022 film All Quiet on the Western Front, said that they would be putting “everything we have” into their fight.

She said her husband, an expert in sports psychology and professor of exercise science at San Diego State University, had been “on the brink of a remarkable chapter in his career when this diagnosis disrupted our plans, impacting us emotionally, physically and financially”.

Announcing the news of her husband’s passing, 43-year-old Paterson wrote: “My lovely darling boy passed away yesterday, June 1st. He was my soul and my light. The pain is real but I will take this suffering and turn it into beauty in honor of his spirit. Love you all.”