So many of you reading will already follow Holly’s journey on socials and know just how amazing Holly (and her family) are. Thank you to everyone who has supported our friend so far along the way, with every comment of hope or helpful suggestion. As well as the community of others fighting this cancer who have reached out ♥️

Some of you might be thinking “finally, a go fund me!” cos even from the very beginning, so many of you who follow Holly have suggested we start one. But anyone who knows her, knows how independent she is and isn’t one to ask for help (apart from trusty ChatGPT of course and she should really ask me to be designated driver more often - Holly knows ). Holly is usually the face behind fundraisers in our local area, planning and running marathons, not on the receiving end.

If you don’t know Holly’s story, I suggest you find her on Facebook and follow along for more laughs than tears and just how life goes on even with a terminal cancer diagnosis. Her personality is infectious, and you’ll soon feel like her friend too ♥️

https://www.facebook.com/thelandofholly/?locale=en_GB

In May 2025, our best friend Holly was diagnosed with tongue cancer at 28 years old and 31 weeks pregnant after being told the lump on her tongue would be pregnancy related and told ‘how could it be cancer, you don’t drink or smoke’. She was left wondering whether her 3 boys would grow up with their Mam, and whether she would get to marry her fiancé, Lee. Lee stopped work and Holly had to close her business.

Over the past year Holly has had half of her tongue removed, gave birth to gorgeous baby Harry early so she could have further treatment, including a neck dissection to remove her lymph nodes. The recovery meant not being able to hold baby Harry, only 5 weeks old. She then went through 30 days of high dose radiotherapy, travelling to hospital every day with Lee and Harry, not the maternity she wished for. For months after radiotherapy, she then fought through excruciating side effects. From a weakened immune system and pneumonia, she then spent Christmas Day in hospital, without her boys.

Despite all of this, Holly has captured her cancer journey from day one, posting on social media, advocating for her own health and supporting others to advocate for theirs too. Helping others to get their own diagnoses and supporting them through what to expect in their own cancer journeys, if they are due to go through the same treatments.

Earlier this year after experiencing pain in her jaw Holly had to once again push for answers. After being told repeatedly the pain was not where Holly was experiencing it and it was down to her wisdom teeth. Holly was classed as ‘no evidence of disease’ from visual check ups but knew something wasn’t right.

Unfortunately, in April 2026 Holly was finally offered a scan as well as told, ‘if it’ll make you happy’, which revealed the pain in her jaw was caused by another tumour growing. The scan also showed the cancer has spread further to her lungs.

Holly was told she would now be treated as a palliative care patient as there was nothing else that could be done, and to enjoy the last months making memories with her family.

But, Holly doesn’t give up that easy. Just one of the million reasons we love her so much.

Within 24 hours of finding out this she already contacted the best oncologist in the UK who quickly provided hope that there ARE some treatment options. However, these treatment options are nearly 300 miles from home, can last years and come with costs. Clinical trials do help cover some expenses but costs are still likely to be £1000 a week including travel, accommodation etc.

So please help us raise funds to help support not just Holly but Lee, and their three gorgeous boys. The money raised will help with travel, accommodation and all of the other financial pressures that come with ongoing treatment, while allowing them to focus on making memories as a family along the way.

Any donation is greatly appreciated but if you can’t donate, please share this page and spread the word.

Thank you for your support,

Gemma & Chelsea x