A courageous, kind and inventive five-year-old girl who has been fighting cancer for two years wanted to cheer up patients and nurses in the hospital where she was being treated – so she opened her own tattoo shop, where she offered free tattoos to everyone.
Holly Keira Barnes was recognised with a Sefton Child Of Courage Award at the 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards as the watching audience cheered on at The Grand in Southport.
Holly was presented with her Sefton Child Of Courage Award by Stephen Grayson from category sponsor Cooper Parry accountants.
Holly’s Grandma, Marjorie Jenn, said: “Holly our little sunshine with a big heart is 5 years old, her favourite number is 10 and her favourite colour is red. She loves Pokemon, little kittens and baby animals.
“Holly has been on her Neuroblastoma journey for almost two years. It’s been difficult and painful for her but she gets on with it and always has a smile.
“Overnight her life and her parents’ lives changed. This time last year we were called to the hospital to say our goodbyes to her. Holly being Holly amazed everyone, family, friends, hospital staff and her nursery school she pulled through. It truly was a miracle.
“Holly very much wanted to go to school at Forefield Lane in Crosby.
“So Determined was she, she did it, she got to go to school in September 2025. It was a wonderful milestone in her life.
“Her time at school is limited with illness, hospital appointments and hospital stays but she loves to go any chance she gets.
“She’s made a lot of friends at school and was disappointed she was too ill to be part of the Christmas show. But had messages from staff and children.
“It’s lovely seeing her with children her own age as so much of her life was with doctors, nurses.
“She amazes me every day. She is naturally funny, loves to sing, dance, all things Everton and curling her tongue at me.
“She’s been to Goodison Park and Hill Dickinson Stadium when she can or will watch games with her parents on TV.
“Holly is also very inventive and from her hospital room she opened a tattoo shop offering free tattoos to all the hospital staff and some visitors… It was a big hit.
“Holly has been in Glasgow with her parents, and her treasured Upsy Daisy, who has been with her every step of her journey. She has been through quite a few cancer trials.
“Holly has been undergoing radiation treatment which is only offered in Glasgow or London so sometimes far away from family but we have had some video calls depending on how tired Holly is. She is such a little trooper.
“Upsy Daisy can’t be with Holly for this treatment so sits on a window sill in an adjoining room. Holly can see her and talks through the glass.
“Holly amazes me every day.”
Another nomination for Holly said: “Holly has been battling neuroblastoma for nearly two years and she’s only 5!
“She’s been through some harsh treatments and spent lots of time in hospital.
“Throughout all of this time she has remained jolly, sassy and has worn a huge smile every day no matter what she was going through!
“She is an inspiration and everyone who knows her is incredibly proud to know her.”
Another nomination for Holly – she received so many from people who adore her – said: “Holly was diagnosed with neuroblastoma 2 years ago and since then has undergone extensive treatment at Alder Hey Hospital which is still ongoing.
“She is 5 years of age and the latest treatment had to be done in Glasgow and she had to be in isolation for a week without any contact with her Mum and Dad apart from seeing them through a window and yet she continued to be her very smiley happy self.
“She is an inspiration to everyone who knows her.”
The 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards celebrated selfless, talented and courageous people across 13 categories at The Grand in Southport on 24th April 2026.
The Main Award was won by Queenscourt Hospice founder Dr Karen Groves MBE.
The evening was hosted by former Sky Sports News presenter Fraser Dainton with VIP guests including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver OBE and Mayor of Sefton Cllr Burns.
Funds were raised on the night for the ICU Steps charity, which supports patients in intensive care and their families.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards are organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio with support from Southport BID.
There are 13 categories including Child of Courage, School Of The Year, Community Impact, Charity Champion and more, plus the Main Award.
Next year’s event takes place on Friday 30th April 2027.
To submit your nomination for next year’s awards visit: Pride Of Sefton Awards
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