Hollie’s inspiring legacy as her family commemorates her birthday

The family and friends of Hollie Amanda Dring are continuing her incredible fundraising and support of St Catherine’s Hospice. They are generously covering the cost of our charity’s specialist care and support to commemorate Hollie’s Birthday, on Saturday 18th March. 

This is Hollie’s story 

A family has paid tribute to an ‘amazing and inspiring’ Preston mum who will be remembered for her ‘beautiful smile’, her devotion to her beloved son, and for raising thousands of pounds for charity before she died.

Hollie Dring was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2021, and made it her mission to raise awareness and vital funds. She sadly died on August 31 last year aged 36 at St Catherine’s Hospice, where she had worked as a personal assistant for more than eight years.

Her family including her dad Paul Dring said: “Hollie was the life and soul of every gathering she went to. She had one of those infectious personalities where she could say she made a new friend every week! But they always did remain friends.

“She was the family organiser. She never forgot a birthday, and she loved organising get-togethers for Christmas, birthday parties and even weddings. Where there was an excuse to party, Hollie was always at the forefront!

“Hollie absolutely loved going on holidays with her friends and family too. She travelled to many places including Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Italy, America, Hong Kong, and her favourite place of all, Mauritius. It was in Mauritius where she was accepted lovingly by her stepmother Christina’s extended family, and had so many amazing experiences embracing the Mauritian culture.

“She just enjoyed spending so much time with family and her many friends. She liked making cocktails and eating nice food! But most of all, she loved the time she spent with her son Theo, who was everything to her.”

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Hollie launched her #checkyourbitsandbobs campaign shortly after her diagnosis. She had discovered a lump in her breast whilst playing with Theo, and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy.

During this time, her friends came together to form ‘Hollie’s Dollies’, to help her share her journey and raise funds for breast cancer research through Cancer Research UK, raising more than £35,000.

“Hollie received many private messages from men and women alike thanking her for raising awareness, as they followed her advice and told her how inspiring she was,” Paul said. “She has helped so many people. And everyone got behind her efforts, raising funds through sponsored challenges, family fun days and raffles.”

Hollie, from Fulwood – who attended Lostock Hall High School and Runshaw College – was given the all-clear in October 2021, but was found to have secondary cancer in July 2022. She was admitted to hospital in August before returning home, and spent her final days surrounded by her loved ones at St Catherine’s Hospice in Lostock Hall.

Her family including Paul and Christina, and her brothers Lee, Paul and Jonathan, added: “Hollie initially wanted to be at home but over the short period of days she was becoming more uncomfortable, and could probably see that it was hurting us to see her in pain. She chose to go to St Catherine’s as she knew that the safety, care and love she needed would be given there.

“She knew her friends and colleagues would make sure she was comfortable and peaceful, and the St Catherine’s family certainly made sure of that. They took care of not just Hollie but all our family too. We appreciate that care, love and compassion immensely. The nurses and doctors looked after the small details too, like giving Hollie her favourite flavour of ice pops! We will be forever grateful.”

Hollie’s family and friends have continued to raise funds in her memory, and are covering the cost of the specialist palliative and end-of-life care provided by St Catherine’s on her birthday.

“Hollie’s legacy will be her son Theo. He will grow up to know just how amazing and inspiring she was. We feel a huge hole in all of our lives, but we’re grateful that we were blessed to have Hollie in our lives. All of our memories of her are and always will be cherished forever.”

• Please click here if you would like to make a donation through Hollie’s tribute page. 

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