A coroner has ruled that a 23-year-old woman's decision to refuse chemotherapy for a treatable lymphoma was significantly influenced by her mother, a former nurse known for spreading medical misinformation.
October 2, 2025
Source:
ITVX
Mother's Influence Cited in Daughter's Death
A coroner has determined that a 23-year-old woman’s fatal decision to refuse chemotherapy was significantly influenced by her mother, a prominent conspiracy theorist. Paloma Shemirani died in July 2024 from non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that doctors said she had an 80% chance of surviving with treatment.
The inquest found that her mother, Kay Shemirani, "more than minimally" contributed to her death by persuading her to reject conventional care in favor of unproven alternative therapies.
A Highly Treatable Diagnosis
Paloma was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in late 2023. According to medical bodies like the Cancer Research UK, this type of cancer is often highly treatable, especially in younger patients.
Despite the high prognosis for recovery with chemotherapy, Paloma refused the recommended treatment plan. Her mother told the inquest that Paloma made her choice "based on her values, research and experiences."
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Source:
BBC
Family Conflict and Misinformation
The case highlights a deep family divide and the dangerous role of medical misinformation.
Kay Shemirani's Background
Kay Shemirani is a former nurse who was struck off the UK's nursing register in 2021 by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for spreading harmful misinformation, particularly regarding COVID-19 and vaccinations. She became a well-known figure in anti-vaccine circles.
Legal Battle Launched by Brothers
Paloma’s brothers, Gabriel and Sebastian, have publicly blamed their mother for their sister’s death. They had previously taken the case to the High Court to challenge Paloma’s autonomy, arguing that her decisions were being unduly influenced by their mother.
Gabriel noted that conspiracy theorists like Alex Jones were a constant presence in their upbringing, fostering an environment of distrust in mainstream institutions, including medicine.
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Source:
BBC
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