A West-London mother is taking on a 100km ultra challenge after nearly losing her daughter in a devastating accident.
Mamta Sohal, 56, from Ealing, will tackle the Lake District Ultra Challenge this weekend (6-7 June) to raise money for London Air Ambulance, the charity she credits with saving her daughter’s life.
Last year, Mamta’s daughter, Eshana, was hit by a motorcycle while out running, leaving her with life-threatening injuries.
Due to the severity of the incident, London Air Ambulance was called to the scene, providing critical care before she was taken to St Mary’s Hospital in London. Eshana was placed in an induced coma and spent seven weeks at the hospital, before a further seven weeks having intensive neurorehabilitation as an inpatient at the Wellington.
Now continuing her neurorehabilitation as an outpatient, she is making strong progress every day.
Determined to give back, Mamta and her sister-in-law Debjani, who was by her side when she received the devastating news of the accident, are taking on the 100km challenge together across two days.
The Lake District Ultra Challenge will see thousands of participants walk, jog or run distances of up to 100km through some of the UK’s most scenic terrain.
For Mamta, every step will be driven by gratitude. She said: “We nearly lost Eshana that day. The care she received from London Air Ambulance and the team at St Mary’s was nothing short of extraordinary. She has shown incredible resilience and strength throughout her recovery, and I couldn’t be prouder to be her mum.”
Eshana’s recovery is the latest chapter in an already extraordinary journey. In 2022, she contracted meningococcal meningitis while in Barcelona but made a full recovery, travelling to Chile just six weeks later as part of her university degree.
She had even been due to run the London Marathon this year in support of Meningitis UK, following her illness in 2022, before the accident last year ended that dream.
Mamta has already more than doubled her fundraising target of £2,000, raising over £5,000 so far for London Air Ambulance. You can support Mamta’s journey here: www.justgiving.com/page/mamta-sohal-2
The charity provides rapid response and expert medical care in life-threatening situations, helping to save lives across the capital when every second counts.
The 100km challenge will be a huge physical test, but Mamta says it pales in comparison to what her daughter has faced.
She added: “This will be tough, but it’s nothing compared to what Eshana has been through. If we can help raise awareness and support the incredible work of the air ambulance, every step will be worth it.”
Limited places remain for 2026’s Lake District Ultra Challenge. Find out more at www.ultrachallenge.com/lake-district-challenge/
With thanks to New Reach
