A five-year-old girl with an extremely rare condition has ‘gained her angel wings’ after battling cancer three times.
Holly Prince, from Hindley in Wigan, was just three years old when she was diagnosed with Bloom Syndrome - a rare disorder that around 300 people worldwide suffer from. There is no cure for the condition.
People with the condition can be of unusually small size, have sensitivity to sunlight, immune system deficiencies and an extraordinarily high risk of developing cancer. The average life expectancy is 27.
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Holly’s family announced she had passed away on Friday night (April 8). In a Facebook post on Saturday, her family posted: “Holly passed away peacefully last night at 8pm. She fought til the end and is now at peace.
“In life we loved you dearly, In death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place, no one else will ever fill. Fly high our beautiful angel. Holly Olivia Prince 02/12/16 - 08/04/22.”
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News earlier this year, dad Mark Prince explained how Holly had developed a rare kidney cancer following her Bloom Syndrome diagnosis. She had to undergo several rounds of chemotherapy and was declared cancer-free last summer before doctors discovered the tumour had returned just weeks later.
Family friend Chris Paxford raised more than £5,000 after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in February to help raise funds for the Prince family. It was also hoped that Holly and her family would be able to visit Chicago later this year to meet other 'Bloomies' from all over the world.
Adding to the tributes were the Tallia School of Dance, based in Atherton, which posted on Facebook: “Absolutely heartbroken to hear the news our sweet, strong beautiful little dancer Holly has gained her angel wings and left us last night. Holly brought so much joy to our classes, pupils, teachers and it was a pleasure to have her dance on stage with us in January.
“We are so privileged to have known you Holly. Sending so much love and strength to her family at this heartbreaking time.”
Alliance Dance Academy, in Meltham, West Yorkshire, added: ”Sending all of our love to Holly’s family. Miss Lucy had the pleasure of teaching Holly over the past year and is heartbroken at this news. Please spread your love and thoughts with Holly’s family over this difficult time.”
