From heartbreak to hope: how one little girl inspired a wonderful charity movement

When five-year-old Holly Prince passed away from cancer in April 2022, her family’s world stopped.

But what happened next was something no one expected.

Out of unimaginable heartbreak grew a community so strong, it continues to run, fundraise, and care in Holly’s name: through a movement called Holly’s Hearts.

Founded by Holly’s parents, Mark and Jenny Prince, the charity was born from leftover fundraising donations collected during Holly’s cancer treatment.

Rather than passing the funds on to an existing organisation, Mark and Jenny decided to create something of their own—a living tribute that would carry forward Holly’s light.

Holly’s life, though short, had a profound impact on those around her.

Diagnosed at just three years old with Bloom Syndrome, an extremely rare genetic condition that affects fewer than 300 people worldwide, Holly endured a relentless barrage of challenges.

The syndrome increased her risk of cancer, and within just a few months of diagnosis, she developed Wilms’ tumour, a rare kidney cancer that usually affects children under five.

Holly’s Hearts

Over two years, Holly faced surgeries, chemotherapy, and proton beam therapy. Yet somehow, she always managed to smile.

“She was so brave,” Mark said. “Every single day, she fought. And through it all, she still made people laugh.”

Throughout her illness, Holly’s presence lit up every hospital room, ward, and waiting area she entered. She loved drawing, especially hearts, and always signed her name in a childlike scrawl, carefully shaped in purple pen. In fact, the final drawing she ever made, just days before she passed away, was a page covered in colourful love hearts.

That simple image became the foundation of the charity’s logo.

“The word Holly is written in her own handwriting,” Mark explained. “That final drawing was the inspiration for everything. That’s where Holly’s Hearts began.”

The charity offers financial support to children undergoing cancer treatment and their families, providing moments of joy during some of the toughest days imaginable. A break at Center Parcs. A new tablet to help pass time in hospital. Tickets to a football match, pantomime or show. Sometimes, it’s even something as small, but meaningful, as a meal delivered to the ward.

“When you’re stuck in hospital for weeks on end, these moments make a difference,” said Mark. “It’s about giving children a smile—just like Holly gave us.”

But the story of Holly’s Hearts isn’t just about a charity. It’s about people, hundreds of them, who’ve come together to run, walk, and raise money in memory of a little girl they may never have met, but who somehow touched their lives.

Through Holly’s Hearts, the Princes provide gifts, respite breaks, and treasured experiences for children undergoing cancer treatment. From theatre and football tickets to tablets for long hospital stays, the charity does what it can to lift families out of despair—even just for an afternoon.

“We’ve got links with Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Alder Hey, and others. Nurses refer families to us, and we do what we can,” said Mark. “And because Holly was in remission before her cancer came back, we also gift children who are two years post-treatment. Because we know how fragile that hope can be.”

In the last year, the charity has also launched a series of fundraisers: golf days, canal-side bike rides, skydives, and an enormous summer fair that will return this July, complete with 12 inflatables, live music, a community BBQ, and a kids’ 2K run.

You can find out more about that here.

And there’s more to come. The charity is currently raising funds to buy a caravan so they can offer respite breaks to families without the high cost of hotels. “Sometimes a few days away can change everything,” said Mark. “It gives people space to breathe.”

One group event in particular has grown into something more than a fundraiser, it’s become a therapy group on the move.

That group is Holly’s Hearts Runners.

Holly’s Hearts Runners

Holly’s Hearts Runners started as a simple community run to raise awareness for the charity, but it quickly grew into a powerful support network—a place for people to heal, find strength, and come together through running. The group was founded by Tracey Croft, a long-time friend of the Prince family, who initially wanted to train for a half marathon in Holly’s name.

Little did she know, the group would become a cornerstone of Holly’s Hearts’ fundraising and an essential support system for its members.

“I never thought it would grow like this,” said Tracey, reflecting on the group’s humble beginnings. “I just wanted to raise awareness, keep people active, and do something in Holly’s name.”

Tracey, a seasoned running coach, understood that running could provide not only fitness but also an outlet for emotional healing. Her goal was simple: get people moving while honouring Holly’s memory. But the turnout that first night exceeded her expectations—37 people showed up.

“Some hadn’t run in years. Some had never run at all,” Tracey said.

The group quickly blossomed into twice-weekly sessions, with new members joining all the time. Some come for fitness, but many come for something deeper—a shared sense of purpose and solidarity.

“Our first milestone was getting everyone to 5K. We signed up for the Tatton Park 5K in October. But just a few days before the race, it got cancelled due to the deer rutting season!

“So we quickly organised to do a local parkrun in Worley Woods instead.

“Everyone turned up in team t-shirts. It was someone’s birthday, so we had cake and Prosecco in the car park.

“Honestly, it ended up being the best thing—we discovered parkrun and it became part of everyone’s weekend routine,” said Tracey.

“Then we aimed for 10K. We rolled over our Tatton Park entry to their January 10K instead.

“It was absolutely freezing that day, but loads of us turned up, friends and family came to cheer us on, and we had banners and t-shirts. It was a really special day,” added Tracey.

The runners have become a close-knit community, with some participants starting out unable to run a mile and now preparing for their first half marathon at the Great Manchester Run. Many have formed lasting friendships, finding strength in the shared experience of moving forward together, both physically and emotionally.

“It’s not just about fitness,” Tracey said. “It’s about connecting with each other. When you’re running alongside someone, it’s easy to open up, share your story, and know that you’re not alone.”

Tracey’s own journey with the group has been transformative. “I’ve met so many incredible people through this group. It’s been a privilege to watch them grow and heal, and it’s been such a gift to be part of that.”

What makes Holly’s Hearts Runners so special is how it unites people who might never have crossed paths otherwise.

“Some of the members who started with no running experience have now completed 10Ks and are preparing for the Great Manchester Run 2025,” Tracey shared.

“Others have found solace in the routine and camaraderie the group offers.”

The group’s success isn’t just in the personal victories of its members—it’s also in how it supports Holly’s Hearts’ fundraising efforts. Each run, training session, and event helps raise money for the charity, which funds respite breaks, gifts, and experiences for children undergoing cancer treatment.

“Every time someone runs with us, they’re part of something bigger,” Tracey said. “They’re part of a movement that honours Holly’s legacy.”

The group are hoping to raise £10,000 as they smash the Great Manchester Run half marathon.

You can donate to the cause by clicking here

From tragedy to triumph

The most striking thing about Holly’s Hearts isn’t the sadness of its origin—it’s the joy of its impact. Holly’s story is tragic, yes. But what’s risen from it is extraordinary.

That help has rippled out in ways the Princes could never have predicted. From runners raising thousands in sponsorships, to Hindley Green CP School choosing Holly’s Hearts as their charity of the year, to parents on the oncology ward feeling a little less alone—Holly’s legacy is powerful.

Even Holly’s handwriting lives on through every heart-shaped logo, stitched into running bibs and printed on posters.

It’s a child’s scrawl turned into a symbol of hope.

“I still get messages from people we’ve helped,” Mark said.

“Sometimes it’s just a thank you. Sometimes it’s a photo of a child smiling on a trip we helped fund. That’s everything.”

How you can help Holly’s Hearts

If you’d like to support Holly’s Hearts UK, there are many ways to get involved. You can donate directly via their website here or JustGiving page here, volunteer at upcoming events, or even sign up to join Holly’s Hearts Runners.

Businesses and schools can also partner with the charity to raise awareness or offer services.

Upcoming events include:

• Summer Fair: Saturday 13 July 2025 at Atherton Town Football Club. Expect inflatables, music, food, and fun for all the family.

• Charity Golf Day: Friday 19 September 2025.

• Run Club Meets: Every Tuesday and Thursday, open to all ages and abilities.

“I just want people to know that even in the darkest times, there can be light,” said Mark. “Holly was our light. And through this charity, she always will be.”

It’s not just about the money, or even the events. It’s about community. A group of people brought together by one little girl with an enormous heart—who gave so much, and continues to give still.