Doctor Puja breaks down on Race Across The World

Puja, a contestant on Race Across The World, broke down in tears while opening up about her father's death during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to reports, she felt guilt because she believes she brought COVID-19 home and put him in that situation. The exact cause of her father's death has not been confirmed, and it is unknown how her guilt has affected her mental health and daily life.

Puja is a 32-year-old doctor from London traveling with her cousin Roshni on a journey from Sicily to northern Mongolia, covering over 12,000km. She applied for Race Across The World after hitting a career block, though the specific nature of that block is unclear. Puja and Roshni are racing against four other teams to win a £20,000 prize.

This has been a great way to spend my birthday, the only thing that would be really nice is just to be able to see my mum, sister and husband. It's just hard not to speak to them.
Puja, Race Across The World contestant and doctor
She said this while celebrating her birthday at a turtle sanctuary in Turkey during the show.

Puja celebrated her birthday at a turtle sanctuary in Turkey during the journey. According to reports, she described it as a pretty nice birthday to spend abroad but noted she has spent the last birthdays without her dad. Viewers expressed support for Puja after her tearful admission on the show.

It remains unknown how Puja's family reacted to her participation in the show or what support she has received professionally or personally to cope with her father's death.

This is a pretty nice birthday to spend abroad, but I think I've spent the last birthdays without dad. So in the quiet moments like today, where I would be surrounded by my family, I miss them.
Puja, Race Across The World contestant and doctor
She said this while reflecting on her birthday during the journey.

When we lost dad, all of our birthdays have just been slightly different. Like, having a card from dad, just dad being present, just seeing that familiar face, and I just don't have it anymore.
Puja, Race Across The World contestant and doctor
She said this while discussing how her father's death has changed family celebrations.

Sometimes it's just hard, you just want to hear his voice or know what his opinion is or ask for his advice.
Puja, Race Across The World contestant and doctor
She said this while expressing her grief over her father's absence.

After I finished medical school, I was working in emergency medicine, I was really loving the job, and then Covid kind of changed everything for me.
Puja, Race Across The World contestant and doctor
She said this in an aside to the camera while recounting her experiences during the pandemic.

In December 2021, we were just drowning in sick patients with Covid. Unfortunately, I got Covid, I was self-isolating in my room upstairs, making sure I didn't touch anything, but then dad got unwell.
Puja, Race Across The World contestant and doctor
She said this while describing the circumstances leading to her father's illness.

Having your relative in hospital with Covid is essentially, it feels like someone basically has your heart in their hand, and is just tearing it to pieces.
Puja, Race Across The World contestant and doctor
She said this while expressing the emotional pain of her father's hospitalization.

It's heartbreaking when it hits you. He's not going to come back.
Puja, Race Across The World contestant and doctor
She said this while coming to terms with her father's death.

It's just a big reminder that through all of the big moments of your life, dad's not going to be there.
Puja, Race Across The World contestant and doctor
She said this to her cousin Roshni during the journey.

I felt a lot of guilt, because in my mind, I brought Covid home, I put him in this situation and it was my fault. I still struggle with that.
Puja, Race Across The World contestant and doctor
She said this while admitting her feelings of guilt over her father's death.

I've been a massive fan of the show for years, since the first season came out.
Puja, Race Across The World contestant and doctor
She said this ahead of the series airing, explaining her motivation for joining the show.

During the time I applied, I had hit a career block, and I decided that if I was hitting a c
Puja, Race Across The World contestant and doctor
She said this ahead of the series airing, explaining her motivation for joining the show.