Nurse Honors Late Stepdad by Running Edinburgh Marathon for Myeloma Research
A West Lothian nurse is dedicated to honoring her stepfather, Ronnie Haston, who tragically passed away just days after beginning treatment for an aggressive blood cancer known as myeloma. Ronnie died in April 2024, a mere two weeks after being admitted to the hospital, having only received two doses of chemotherapy before his unexpected demise.
In a heartfelt tribute to his memory, Ronnie's stepdaughter, Beth, has signed up to participate in the Edinburgh Marathon. At 42 years old and a mother of two, she is running to raise funds for Myeloma UK, a charity committed to advancing research for better treatments and ultimately a cure for this devastating illness.
Before falling ill, Ronnie was described as 'fit and healthy' and did not have any pre-existing medical conditions. He was making plans for his retirement after managing a business specializing in hearing devices when his health took a sudden downturn. Initially treated for constipation, Ronnie's condition worsened, leading to an emergency visit to the hospital. Tests revealed that his kidney function had remarkably declined to just 14 percent, accompanied by excessively high calcium levels, resulting in a diagnosis of myeloma.
Tragically, while hospitalized, Ronnie developed pneumonia, which was presumably acquired during his stay. He was transferred from St John’s Hospital in Livingston to the Western General in Edinburgh but succumbed just four days after starting chemotherapy.
"It was a complete shock to us all," Beth expressed, reflecting on the rapid decline of her stepfather's health. "He didn’t get to enjoy even a single day of retirement or experience the life he and my mum had planned together." Beth's motivation to run stems from her desire to support other families facing similar heartaches. "I signed up for the marathon on the evening of Ronnie’s funeral," she stated. "I want to ensure no one else goes through what we did. Ronnie was a strong, gentle presence in our family. He supported each of us without judgment, and I want to honor him by helping others." Myeloma is an incurable form of blood cancer that attacks the bone marrow, affecting over 33,000 individuals in the UK alone, including more than 2,300 in Scotland. Despite being the third most common blood cancer, myeloma can be challenging to diagnose, with symptoms often misattributed to natural aging or benign conditions. For many patients, receiving a correct diagnosis often requires multiple visits to healthcare providers.
"They outlined a treatment plan, and I was hopeful for a stem cell transplant, yet he deteriorated rapidly due to the pneumonia," Beth recalled. "It's shocking how quickly everything changed. Ron’s death has left a profound impact on our family, and we wish to raise awareness about this disease." As a mother to young boys aged four and two, Beth's training for the marathon amidst her busy family life has required immense commitment. She previously completed the AG Bell Great Scottish Run half marathon and is now focusing on marathon training, often running after her children are in bed. "It's my first marathon, but when I commit to something, I see it through. I know I can manage at least half, but I expect to push through the last six miles," she added. "Thinking of Ronnie and my mum during my runs motivates me. I remind myself if she can find the strength to carry on, then so can I." Beth has set a fundraising goal of £2,000 and has already raised over £1,500 in her quest to aid Myeloma UK. She is determined to generate awareness and support for families dealing with myeloma and its impacts. Furthermore, Myeloma UK provides resources for those seeking information about the condition and assists with connecting affected individuals to support networks.
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