AN INSPIRATIONAL schoolgirl from Rugby who has beaten blood cancer twice has been honoured as part of a special awards show celebrating the courage of children diagnosed with the disease.
Eight-year-old Holly Hughes was just two when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2016. Initial chemotherapy was so tough she had to learn to walk again before she finally rang the end-of-treatment bell in 2018.
But, in a cruel twist of fate, Holly was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia three years later – a completely different form of the blood cancer which requires a life-saving stem cell transplant.
Holly (centre), with sister Summer, two, and brother Harry, four.
Holly, from Cawston, was offered the chance to join a clinical trial investigating whether a new drug may allow doctors to lower the dose of toxic chemotherapy.
She has received a Cancer Research UK for Children and Young People Star Award for the courage she showed throughout her treatment.
Holly was one of 15 children from across the UK recognised during the virtual awards show. Hosted by children affected by the disease, it was filmed to highlight the impact cancer has on young lives and encourage more nominations for the accolade.
The touching film sees the recipients deliver heartwarming acceptance speeches, as well as ‘strut their stuff’ on a red carpet and break-out their best dance moves in celebration.
During the ceremony, Holly said: “I’ve had leukaemia twice and I had a transplant last year. When I got my star award, I felt very proud, and I keep it in my room.”
Famous faces made appearances to congratulate the award winners, including presenter of Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two Janette Manrara, YouTuber Jim Chapman, World Champion football freestyler Liv Cooke, and Tracy Beaker actress Dani Harmer.
Children’s TV presenter Phil Gallagher from Mister Maker also appears in the film, where he compliments Holly’s dance moves as worthy of Strictly Come Dancing.
Holly’s mum, Christina, who nominated her for the award alongside husband Chris, said: “As soon as we heard about the awards, we put Holly forward.
“We’ve always known Holly is a VIP, but it was extra special to see her shine on screen as part of the Star Awards show. It’s given us all a real boost after a tough few years. We’re so proud of her and we hope her star turn inspires other families to get nominating.”
Holly had to learn to walk again before she rang the end-of-treatment bell for the first time in 2018.
Holly’s initial two-year treatment plan for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia came to an end in August 2018. Then, in February 2021, she was readmitted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for tests after her parents noticed new bruises on her legs that weren’t fading quickly enough, and she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.
Intense chemotherapy was needed to put the disease into remission before Holly could have a stem cell transplant to restore her immune system. But the type of chemotherapy needed is so toxic it can cause permanent heart damage and, over time, heart failure.
A Cancer Research UK trial, called MyeChild 01, is investigating whether more children survive if another drug, called gemtuzumab ozogamicin, is given alongside chemotherapy.
The new drug locks on to a protein on the surface of leukaemia cells and releases a tiny dose of chemotherapy directly into the cell, minimising the damage to healthy tissue.
Christina said that when doctors suggested Holly sign up to the trial, she and her husband Chris jumped at the chance.
“When we got the news it was another cancer, I was completely shaken,” said Christina. “I had to tell her she was going to have to return to hospital and she asked if she was going to lose her hair again. That was really quite emotional.
“Then the specialists recommended she join the Myechild trial and we went for it because it was offering an extra drug that she wouldn’t have had otherwise.
“The care we had on the trial was amazing – they were very informative about the treatment and the side-effects and we felt looked-after all the way through.”
Holly, Chris, Summer, Harry and Christina, pictured when Holly rang the end-of-treatment bell for the second time in 2021.
After six months in hospital which saw her lose her hair and fight off numerous infections, Holly rang the end of treatment bell for a second time.
“We’ve been through the hardest time,” added Christina, who had to juggle hospital stays with her husband Chris and looking after their two babies, Harry, now aged four and Summer, now two.
“During the first round of treatment she got a blood clot on her arm and developed a lung infection. At one point her temperature was so high she was hallucinating. It was like being given blow after blow.
“The first time she had cancer, Chris and I were both able to be with her in hospital but, with Covid restrictions and two babies, this was a hundred times worse. We were able to spend two hours together with her on her birthday in June but that was all.”
Holly underwent a stem cell transplant in May after a donor was found in America.
“She’s been so brave throughout it all,” added Christina. “So sensible and grown up. Even though she spent her seventh birthday in hospital she said it was the best one ever.
“She’s back at school now and doing really well, so seeing her shine on the Star Awards film is like the icing on the cake.”
The Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Awards are open to all children under 18 who live in the UK and have been treated for cancer within the past five years. Everyone nominated receives a trophy, a £50 gift card from award sponsors TK Maxx, a t-shirt and a certificate signed by a host of famous faces. Their siblings also receive a certificate.
Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the West Midlands, Paula Young, said: “Holly is a real star who has been through so much at such a young age. It has been an absolute privilege to be able to recognise her courage with a Star Award and celebrate the occasion with a special show.
“Cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults, from the types of cancer to the impact of treatment – and many youngsters may experience serious long-term side effects. That’s why we’re supporting dedicated research to ensure more children and young people survive cancer with a good quality of life.
“We’re urging people to nominate incredible children like Holly for a Star Award now, so that many more affected by this devastating disease can receive the acknowledgement they so richly deserve.”
The Star Awards are run in partnership with TK Maxx, the biggest corporate supporter of Cancer Research UK’s work into children’s and young people’s cancers.
Visit cruk.org/starawards to nominate a star.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/569y3yec to watch the full version of the virtual awards ceremony, or https://tinyurl.com/5274bx76 for a short version.
