Bradford woman to run in memory of mum - 50 years on from her death

On Mother’s Day (Sunday, March 10), Saleha Suleman, 56, will get her yearly reminder of what it’s been like to grow up without her mum.

But also, as she receives her own Mother’s Day card, of how it has inspired her to cherish every moment with her own daughter.

Saleha, who lives with daughter Romaana, 24, and husband Esmail, 59, in north Bradford, was devastated when her mum, Rabiya, passed away from stomach cancer aged just 45.

Saleha was only six years old when Rabiya died on January 10, 1974, leaving her with only a few precious memories of their time together.

She said: “I can remember mum taking me to school and watching her in the kitchen. I felt very happy, very loved by her.

“Then I knew something was wrong when there was a lot of talking going on in the house. I picked up that mum was poorly and guessed it was something serious when she was admitted to hospital, but I still didn’t really realise what was happening.

“There were a lot of conversations going on in the house, which I was too young to be part of. Then one day, the family were gathered together, and we were told there was no chance of her surviving.

“I remember her funeral. At that time, I didn’t realise just what we were losing. But as time has gone on, my mum has left such a void in our life, there isn’t a single day that goes by without us thinking of her.

“Growing up without my mother has been incredibly challenging. I often ponder how different life would be having her around during important milestones in my life, sharing my moments of happiness with her, especially welcoming my own daughter, Romaana, into our family. “Not having mum here is a constant emotional struggle, but I find solace in knowing she's always watching over us.

“She is always in my thoughts, every day. I miss her tremendously, and the empty space she left has made life tough.

“For years I’ve struggled inside and its only now, 50 years on, that I feel strong enough to talk openly about mum, and how losing her affected me.

“But it has taught me to cherish life and every moment I spend with my own daughter, thankful that I’ve been here to support her as she has grown up and to tell her how proud I am of her.”

The first time Saleha and Romaana took part in Race for Life was in 2011, when Romaana was just 12. And this year they hope to be joined by a team of family and friends as they line up together at Race for Life at Lister Park in Bradford on Saturday, May 18.

Romaana and Saleha Suleman who will run in Race For Life in memory of Saleha's mum. (Image: UGC)

Saleha said: “I’m taking part in Race for Life to support Cancer Research UK as I want to make a difference - to help ensure that no other little girl has to endure the loss of a mother, or a someone close to them, because of cancer.

“In the 50 years since mum passed, the advancement in cancer diagnosis and treatment has been amazing.

“Had mum been diagnosed now, her cancer would probably have been caught much earlier, and she would have been given treatment that could have cured her.

“She would have loved being a grandmother to Romaana and all my nieces and nephews. She would have doted on them.”

Romaana added: “I Race for Life for my grandmother and all those suffering from cancer. I never got to meet her, but as mum talks about her so often, I always feel she is with me.

“I’m so proud of mum and always make a big fuss of her on Mother’s Day. She’s had a lot to cope with, but she has been the best mum to me.

“We are so close, the best of friends, and do everything together. I can’t imagine having to grow up without my mum, so I want to do my bit to help Cancer Research UK keep more families together.”

Now they are both encouraging other people to follow their lead, visit raceforlife.org and sign up.

Nicki Embleton, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Yorkshire, said: “We are grateful to Saleha and Romaana for their support. No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for.”