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In a remarkable story of resilience and hope, Paula Radcliffe’s 18-year-old daughter, Isla Lough, is set to run her first marathon this Sunday-five years after being diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer.
Early Symptoms and Diagnosis
Isla’s health battle began during the Covid-19 lockdown when she experienced persistent stomach aches and shortness of breath. Paula, the British long-distance running legend and three-time London Marathon winner, also noticed subtle but worrying signs such as bladder discomfort and unusual bleeding between menstrual cycles.
Concerned, Paula arranged for Isla to see a paediatrician, which led to scans at a hospital in Nice, France. The tests confirmed the family’s fears: Isla had a malignant germ cell tumour, a rare ovarian cancer affecting approximately one in 200,000 women. Within a week, Isla began her first round of chemotherapy.
A Family’s Strength and Determination
Reflecting on the diagnosis, Paula shared how her sporting background helped the family cope. “We had a treatment plan-like all the training plans I have followed over the years-and it was something we could stick to and see things improving,” she said.
Paula described the emotional toll of watching her daughter endure chemotherapy. “It’s the hardest thing a parent can go through. You can support them and be with them the whole way through, but you can’t do that chemo for them. It’s horrible to watch your child suffering through that, but at the same time, we believed that if it felt bad, it was killing the cancer.”
From Survivor to Marathon Runner
Now healthy and determined, Isla will run the 26.2-mile London Marathon, joining over 56,000 participants. The marathon route starts at Greenwich Park and finishes on The Mall, passing iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and Big Ben.
Isla has previously run shorter races, but this will be her first marathon. She is running to raise funds for Children with Cancer UK, a charity close to the family’s heart since her diagnosis. Paula emphasized that Isla’s goal is to prove her strength and health rather than to set records.
Paula, who will be commentating on the marathon for the BBC, expressed her emotions about watching her daughter run. “It’s an extremely emotional place to be anyway, when you see people turn that corner on the Mall and they realise they’ve done it. But when it’s your little girl doing it, that’s going to be a bit more emotional.”
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information as of April 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Readers experiencing any health concerns should consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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