From working as a nurse to training for the cheerleading world championships, Holly is taking on both with a heart condition that has led to two strokes and could threaten her life.
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a small flap-like opening between the top two chambers of the heart. In most cases it closes when you’re a baby but for some it stays open. This usually doesn’t cause any problems but it did for Holly when a blood clot passed through it.
She’s now crowdfunding to try and raise £16,000 for an operation to close the hole, alongside training with Team England ParaCheer – a combination of disabled and non-disabled athletes – for the ICU World Championships.
Video journalist: Samantha Everett
