From Marathon Pain to Cancer Diagnosis: A Mother's Unlikely Journey
Pritpal Kaur, a 75-year-old sales assistant from London, first attempted the London Marathon in 2023 with her daughter, freelance journalist Minreet Kaur, 45. What began as a personal challenge quickly turned into a medical ordeal when severe cramping forced Pritpal to withdraw at mile 17. In the following weeks, she experienced debilitating back pain and extreme fatigue, symptoms she initially blamed on the marathon's physical toll.
A Frustrating Path to Diagnosis
Minreet described the subsequent months as "five months of hell" as they navigated a confusing healthcare journey. After initial doctor visits in May 2023 yielded only painkillers and suggestions that her symptoms were due to "old age," Pritpal's condition worsened. By June, suffering from shortness of breath, she was taken to A&E at West Middlesex University Hospital, where tests remained inconclusive.
A scan later revealed a moderate chest blockage diagnosed as angina, but medication triggered sudden body cramps. Dissatisfied with the response, Minreet filed a complaint with the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), which led to further investigations. By September 2023, tests confirmed Pritpal had myeloma, a blood and bone marrow cancer.
Emotional Diagnosis and Treatment
"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 recalled. Minreet added, "We just couldn't believe what we heard." According to the NHS, myeloma symptoms include bone pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath—all of which Pritpal had experienced.
After a week to process the news, Pritpal began chemotherapy and bone-strengthening medication. Minreet called this period "the worst time of our lives," with her mother sleeping excessively and struggling to eat. Remarkably, after six months of treatment, Pritpal achieved remission by March 2024, though she requires lifelong monthly infusions.
Inspiring Recovery and Marathon Dreams
Inspired by her mother's resilience, Minreet ran the 2024 London Marathon with her father Rajinder to raise funds for Blood Cancer UK. She also founded "Asian Women Run," a west London group promoting representation and activity among Asian women. Pritpal, now stronger, has joined park runs and reaffirmed her goal to complete the marathon.
When Minreet's running group received marathon spots this year, she offered one to her mother. Pritpal eagerly accepted, and the duo has been training with "jeffing" techniques—alternating running and walking. Their preparation includes 10K and 15K races, a Portugal hike, and a Mother's Day 10K.
Looking Ahead to Race Day
On April 26, they plan to wear matching "Asian Women Run" outfits. "It would be a dream come true," Pritpal said. "I'd be over the moon. And if I've got the energy, I'm definitely going to sprint over the finish line." Minreet added, "It'd be amazing. A mother and daughter thing. Hopefully it encourages so many other people like us to know that you can do it too."
A Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson stated their commitment to safe, high-quality care and using concerns to improve services, without commenting on individual cases.
