Hi all my name is Ginny, I am helping raise money for Violet and Franklin, all donations, what ever you can afford would be greatly appreciated.

On Sunday 7th September 2025, our dear beloved friend, Mummy to Violet 8 yrs and Franklin 4 yrs, partner to Nick, daughter of Karen and sister to Katie passed away with her family by her side.

Holly Elizabeth Swindells was only 35 years of age.

Holly was an amazing physically fit woman, with her whole life ahead of her with her family, when she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease GPA Vasculitis.

Hollys world drastically changed, Franklin was a young baby and Violet had just started school.

Holly underwent the recommended treatment for her disease, chemotherapy and intense steroid medications, only to be told that her disease was severe and 'refractory' ie not responding to treatment.

The family pulled together at this time trying to keep the childrens lives as normal as possible.

The disease attacked Hollys right eye, firstly causing blindness and then eventually having to have it removed.

Holly took this in her stride battling this, alongside all the other daily symptoms linked to her disease.

Holly went for a full sparkle in her prosthetic eye determined to wear it with pride.

On the outside Holly appeared to be 'The girl with the sparkly eye' no one except close family and friends knew the daily battles of pain and suffering she faced. Her world and that of her young family had been turned upside down.

Holly had previously run her own business and had to give up her dream job within the NHS.

Holly had maintained her friendships within the Bolton area and on seeing what Holly was enduring in her life and although she was no longer able to work she was nominated by local business women for bravery and courageous awards.

In honour and in memory of Holly, Woman in Business have created the following special award for 2026.

The "Shine Bright like a Diamond" award will be presented to one woman in memory of Holly and the winner will be chosen by the other Finalists.

Holly had always been a big sports person. She was a Synchronised Swimmer up until the age of 18, she played rounders in the local league and Holly's biggest love was 'Netball'.

Holly started to play netball aged 8 years with Bolton Metro Netball Club where she was joined by her sister Katie. Hollys parents helped run the club and when it disbanded Holly moved to Westhoughton Netball Club where new friendships were forged and remain to this day.

Hollys life from her diagnosis became a weekly round of hospital appointments and hospital stays. The more rounds of chemo that Holly endured the more infections Holly had to live with as her immune system became severely compromised.

The last 12 months of Hollys life were spent in and out of hospital fighting one infection after another. Seperated from her children for weeks at a time.

For the last 6 weeks before her death Holly had again been in hospital for yet another infection but this time instead of coming home Holly died unexpectedly.

Our Bolton Netball Community paid tribute to Holly with a minutes silence at the start of every game, at the start of the new season last week.

Holly was a very popular person and well liked by everyone who crossed her path.

The Netball Community and Hollys vast amount of friends have reached out asking what they can do to help and support Hollys children Violet and Franklin.

Mum Karen is still very much actively involved and Young Violet is now stepping in her mummy’s shoes playing for Rivington NC.

Various ideas have been put forward for fundraisers but I feel that the best way to co-ordinate monetary donations is to organise a 'Go Fund Me' page .

The family are covering all Funeral Costs and this page is purely for people wishing to donate in Hollys memory to her childrens future. The monies will be held in trust for them.