A University of Cambridge graduate who tragically passed away after refusing chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma told a court she was “anti-vax” and trusted her mum’s health advice, an inquest has revealed. Paloma Shemirani, 23, died at Royal Sussex County Hospital on July 24, 2024, reported BBC.
She had declined chemotherapy treatment and opted for alternative therapies instead. Her mother, Kay “Kate” Shemirani, is known for sharing COVID-19 conspiracy theories online, which came under scrutiny during the inquest at Oakwood House in Maidstone, Kent.
The inquest, which examined the appropriateness of Paloma’s care, revealed that she had written statements submitted to the family division of the High Court in Spring 2024. In these statements, Paloma explained her decision to refuse chemotherapy, citing her “background in natural healing.” She was “delighted” with her alternative treatment and was “sure” she would recover fully if left to continue.
Paloma also claimed that NHS practitioners had violated her human rights, with these statements being read out in court by her lawyer, Alison Hewitt. During the proceedings, Paloma’s mother was visibly emotional and held up pictures of Paloma as the statements were shared.
In her statement, Paloma described herself as “far from being a vulnerable young adult” and highlighted how health-conscious she had always been. She mentioned sticking to an all-organic diet, preparing all her meals, and avoiding alcohol, drugs, and tap water. Paloma noted that if she ever became ill, she would always turn to her mother for advice.
She also emphasized her mother’s forceful advocacy for natural health, suggesting that people often misquote her mum’s views on natural healing. Paloma added, “I have always been extremely health conscious: sticking to all-organic produce, I prepare all my meals, and I do not drink or cook with tap water.”
Paloma’s mother, Kate, was struck off as a nurse in 2021 for spreading Covid-19 misinformation that put the public at risk, which had been mentioned earlier in the inquest. The 23-year-old also identified herself as “anti-vax” and mentioned she had been using Gerson therapy, a treatment involving a strict organic vegetarian diet and enemas.
Gerson therapy has been promoted as a cancer treatment, but Cancer Research UK states that there is no scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. Paloma also mentioned that she had spent three weeks at a Gerson therapy camp in Mexico when she was 15.
For love and justice for Paloma This was our daughter following her interview for Cambridge, Newnham College. She had graduated four years later. Terminated aged 23.
— Kate Shemirani (@KateShemirani) March 8, 2025
We have every single piece of forensic evidence detailing the cover-up from the beginning to the end starting… pic.twitter.com/oDuE3U02qD
In her statements, Paloma denied the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, claiming she was never diagnosed with it and said the suggestion of cancer was “absurd fantasy.” She described the diagnosis as “suspected and unconfirmed” and argued that the possibility of cancer had not been definitively proven.
The inquest revealed that Paloma was aware of the one-in-five chance of survival with the chemotherapy treatment offered but feared its side effects, including potential infertility. “I do not want to undergo such a harsh treatment that could even kill me when there is a possibility this is not cancer,” she stated.
In the court statements, Paloma’s mother also alleged human rights violations, referencing Articles 3, 6, and 8 of the Convention. She even compared the treatment to atrocities committed by Nazi doctor Josef Mengele during the Second World War. Despite her ongoing health issues, which included a swollen face and chest pain, Paloma’s condition seemed to improve before her death, further adding to the complexity of her case.
This tragic story sheds light on the influence of alternative medicine and the complex decisions some patients make when faced with serious illnesses, often with tragic outcomes. The case has sparked an ongoing debate about the balance between medical treatment and personal choice.
