Paula Radcliffe Watches with Pride as Daughter Isla Runs Her First Marathon in London After Overcoming Cancer

Paula Radcliffe, one of Britain’s greatest ever athletes, is no stranger to the intense emotions that come with running the London Marathon.

Back in 2003, she made history with a world-record performance that stood for 16 years. But this year, she won’t be taking part as a competitor.

Instead, at 51, she’ll be watching from the sidelines, feeling an emotional surge like never before.

The reason? Her daughter, Isla, will be running her first-ever marathon, after having faced a life-altering battle with cancer.

Isla’s Inspiring Journey to the Starting Line

Isla, now 18, has come a long way since she was diagnosed with germ cell ovarian cancer at the tender age of 13.

This Sunday, she will be running the 26.2-mile race to raise money for families dealing with the same heartache her family once endured.

Paula, who will be co

mmentating for the BBC, says this moment is one of the most emotional she’s ever experienced.

“It’s an extremely emotional place to be when you see people turn that corner on the Mall and realize they’ve done it, but when it’s your little girl doing it…” Paula says, her voice filled with pride and emotion.

A Battle with Cancer: Paula’s Most Grueling Marathon

For Paula, the fight against cancer was even more challenging than any Olympic Games or marathon she ever ran.

Isla’s diagnosis, which came at the worst possible time during the Covid pandemic, marked the beginning of a long and painful journey.

Paula was the only family member allowed to be with Isla during her chemotherapy treatment, which added a layer of emotional stress on top of everything else

. On top of that, just weeks before Isla’s diagnosis, Paula’s father, Peter, passed away.

Paula recalls the terror she felt when the doctors delivered the news.

“I’ll never forget the fear when someone tells you something is wrong with your baby. It’s the scariest thing in the world,” she shares.

A Mother’s Struggles and Isla’s Resilience

Isla’s cancer diagnosis was swift and shocking. One week after her visit to the doctor, Isla began her first round of chemotherapy.

Paula describes how this experience was far more difficult than any physical race she had ever competed in. “It’s the hardest thing a parent can go through,” Paula says.

“You can support them and be with them the whole way through, but you can’t do that chemo for them.”

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Paula and Isla believed the suffering was necessary to fight the cancer.

Paula’s resilience as a mother was tested, and she acknowledges that this experience was one of the most harrowing times of her life.

Isla’s Long Road to Recovery and Emotional Struggles

Isla, who has spoken openly about her experience, recalls her battle with cancer and the emotional toll it took.

“I thought if we can solve this then I won’t have those problems,” she shared.

“I didn’t want to be told it was normal because I couldn’t carry on with the same pain.”

Losing her hair during chemotherapy was one of the most difficult moments for Isla. “I cried the most when I lost my hair,” she admits.

To cope with this, Isla’s brother, Raphael, allowed her to blow-dry his hair in a show of solidarity.

Family Support Through the Darkest Times

Throughout Isla’s ordeal, Paula and her family leaned on each other for support.

Despite the struggles, Paula was always there for Isla, making her the priority, even as she felt guilty about not being able to give the same attention to Raphael, who was also affected by the situation.

The family’s bond was tested but never broken, and their resilience carried them through some of the darkest times.

Paula and her husband, Gary Lough, relocated to the south of France in 2005, where they raised Isla and their son, Raphael.

Gary, a former middle-distance runner, also played a significant role in supporting Paula throughout her career.

A Family Affair: The Road to Recovery and Marathon Participation

Now, with Isla back on her feet and preparing for her marathon, the family’s story of resilience has come full circle.

After enduring a recent health scare in 2023, Isla is healthy and ready to take on the challenge of the London Marathon.

Paula is proud of Isla’s strength and determination, but as a mother, she wants Isla to focus on her education first.

“She’s doing her final year of school ready for uni, so she’s under a lot of pressure. I’m okay with her just doing it to finish and not really pushing hard,” Paula says.

Paula’s Marathon Comeback and the Final Road Race

Recently, Paula made her own return to competitive running at the Boston Marathon, having completed all six major marathons.

Despite suffering from a calf injury, she managed to finish and decided that it would be her final road race.

She posted on social media: “That’s me signing out on the roads now!” For Paula, this marathon was more than just a race—it was a chance to reflect on her career, her family, and the future.

Isla’s Fundraising Efforts and the Family’s Focus on Helping Others

Now, as she watches Isla prepare for her own race, Paula is focused on the cause.

Isla will be running to raise awareness and funds for Children with Cancer UK, a charity that has been close to Paula’s heart since Isla’s diagnosis.

Paula has always used her platform to support causes that matter to her family, and this marathon will be no exception.

As Isla takes on this incredible challenge, Paula is full of pride, knowing that her daughter is not just running for herself but also for others who are facing the same battles they once did.

For Paula, this event is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of family.