A CHARITY ball in memory of a “beautiful, lively, happy” five-year-old girl has raised tens of thousands for the charities that helped her.
Holly Prince, from Hindley, was diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic condition called Bloom Syndrome in March 2020, which affects less than 300 people worldwide.
The condition, which was picked up after Holly was growing at a slower pace than others her age, causes immunodeficiencies, respiratory problems, and a higher likelihood of developing cancer.
After doctors discovered a Wilms tumour on her kidney, the youngster spent three years battling the disease but passed away aged five on Friday, April 8.
The charity ball at Leigh Sports Village was organised by Holly’s dad Mark earlier in the summer, with more than 200 people gathering to celebrate Holly’s life and enjoy a three-course dinner, live music, as well as a huge raffle and auction.
Raising £21,801, the money will now be split between five charities that helped the family during Holly's illness; Derian House, Bloom Syndrome Association, The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, Milly's Smiles, and Children with Cancer UK.
As Chorley-based Derian House looked after Holly and her family in the last few weeks of her life, she was laid at rest in one of the hospice’s Sunflower Rooms before her funeral, allowing her family extra time to say goodbye.
Mark Prince, 38, a Construction Site Manager at Eric Wright Construction, said: “We had hoped the ball would be a celebration of Holly finishing treatment, but it wasn’t to be.
"The amount of love in the room for Holly really touched our hearts and we know she was there with us in spirit.
“Derian House gave our family so much support. We are so grateful for everything they did for us. We stayed in the family flats, used the hydrotherapy pool, watched films and ate hot dogs in the cinema. Holly was able to bring her cockapoo, Poppy, who she adored.
“When we first arrived, Holly’s favourite Disney songs were already playing. The staff had put them on, which was lovely. They greeted us so warmly and gave us a hug.
“When we lost our little girl, she laid in one of Derian’s Sunflower rooms. We brought her blankets and her favourite teddies – Soapy and an elephant called Nelly. It felt like we had been given a bit more time with her.
“Holly was such a beautiful, lively, happy little girl. Her brother and sister still find it difficult. They have a memory box in Holly’s room that they can use to send messages to her."
After Holly's diagnosis, the Prince family have also travelled to a Bloom Syndrome Association Conference in Chicago to meet with other families and researchers who are working to capture tumours earlier in children with the condition.
Thanking those who came to the Charity Ball to raise money for the family's chosen charities, Mark added: "We hope that Holly’s Charity Ball has helped raise awareness of Bloom Syndrome and that the money raised will enable these charities to help more families like ours when they need it most."
Holly’s parents also presented a cheque for £7,670 made up of money raised at Holly’s funeral and by her school, Hindley Green Community Primary, in a dress-up day fundraiser in Holly’s memory.
To find out more about Derian House, visit this link.
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