London Marathon Dream: 75-Year-Old's Blood Cancer Battle Fuels Comeback
In a story of resilience and determination, a 75-year-old London woman, Pritpal Kaur, is preparing to run the London Marathon with her daughter, Minreet Kaur, after a devastating blood cancer diagnosis derailed her first attempt in 2023. What began as marathon-related aches turned into a life-altering health crisis, but now, in remission, Pritpal sees this race as a "dream come true" and a testament to her fighting spirit.
From Marathon Pain to Shocking Diagnosis
Pritpal Kaur, a sales assistant at Harrods, initially attempted the London Marathon in 2023 with her 45-year-old daughter, Minreet, a freelance journalist. However, severe cramping forced her to withdraw at mile 17. In the following weeks, she experienced persistent back pain, fatigue, and rib discomfort, which she attributed to the marathon effort. "I thought my symptoms were from the marathon," Pritpal recalled. "I had really bad back pain, I had no energy, I was sleeping all the time. I said to myself, 'Why is this happening to me?' I was always full of energy."
By May 2023, Pritpal visited her doctor, who prescribed painkillers, suspecting age-related issues. Initial blood tests showed no abnormalities. As her condition worsened, with added shortness of breath, Minreet took her to A&E at West Middlesex University Hospital in June. Further tests, including a scan, indicated a moderate chest blockage, diagnosed as angina, leading to medication that caused severe side effects, including body cramps.
The Fight for Proper Diagnosis and Treatment
Concerned about her mother's treatment, Minreet filed a complaint with the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), which prompted a senior cardiologist to recommend additional investigations. By September 2023, after a bone mineral density scan, blood tests revealing abnormal paraprotein levels, and a bone marrow test, Pritpal was diagnosed with myeloma, a type of blood cancer affecting bone marrow, at age 73. "When we were told I had myeloma, I just started crying. I didn't know what to do and I was just so shocked," Pritpal said.
Minreet described the diagnosis moment: "You're sitting in this small room with two little chairs and white walls. Then the doctor said, 'We've got the bone marrow test back, it confirms that you've got blood cancer, and you need to start treatment straight away'. It was all going over my head. We just couldn't believe what we heard." Pritpal began chemotherapy and medication to strengthen her bones, enduring what Minreet called "the worst time of our lives."
Road to Remission and Marathon Redemption
After six months of treatment, Pritpal's paraprotein levels dropped, and she entered remission by March 2024. However, doctors advised lifelong monthly infusions to manage the condition. Inspired by her mother's journey, Minreet and her father, Rajinder, ran the London Marathon in April 2024 to raise funds for Blood Cancer UK. Later that year, Minreet founded Asian Women Run, a west London running group promoting representation and activity among Asian women.
Pritpal gradually regained strength, participating in park runs and setting a goal to complete the London Marathon. In February, when spots were allocated to Asian Women Run, Minreet offered her mother the chance to fulfill this dream. "It would be a dream come true. It's what I've always wanted to do so I'd be over the moon. And if I've got the energy, I'm definitely going to sprint over the finish line," Pritpal said.
Training and Community Support
The mother-daughter duo has been training diligently, using a technique called "jeffing," which combines intermittent running and walking. They have completed multiple 10K and 15K runs, a hike in Portugal, and a Mother's Day 10K. On race day, April 26, they plan to wear matching "Asian Women Run" attire, symbolizing their bond and mission. "It'd be amazing. A mother and daughter thing. I think it'd be something to remember for life and hopefully it encourages so many other people like us to know that you can do it too," Minreet added.
A spokesperson for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust stated: "While we do not comment on the care or treatment of individual patients, the Trust is committed to providing safe, high quality care and follows robust clinical and governance processes to ensure concerns are reviewed and used to improve our services." This story highlights not only personal triumph but also the importance of advocacy in healthcare, as Pritpal and Minreet turn adversity into inspiration for their community.
