When Hollie met Harry! Canvey teen rubs shoulders with Royalty

Hollie, 16, of Hallet Road, was among inspirational children honoured at London’s Dorchester Hotel for her bravery and fundraising since her brother Danny, 11, died after losing his fight with brain and spinal cancer last July.

The prince, patron of the charity, was so inspired by Hollie and Danny’s story he kept a photo of her and Danny to remind him of their story.

Hollie said: “ I loved it and Danny would have loved too. Harry was so nice. He wasn’t really posh either.

He was easy to talk to.

“We stayed at the Dorchester afterwards. It was amazing. the room had the biggest bed I’ve ever seen.”

Hollie received her award by BBC sports presenter Chris Hollins and ex- Blue Peter host Konnie Huq.

Hollie, who joins Seevic College today to start her A Level studies, balanced school work with travelling to London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital, to help care for her brother and would stay at his bedside most weekends.

She would also make daily phone calls to him, which the nurses who nominated Hollie described as a “tonic”.

The family sat on a table at the awards with Scouting for Girls, one of Hollie and Danny’s favourite bands.

When the group learned one of Danny’s favourite songs was their hit, Elvis Ain’t Dead, they changed their set to include it in their performance on the night.

Hollie’s mum, Lisa, said it was an “amazingly proud moment” for her and husband, Chris, when Hollie received the award. She added: “You couldn’t help but have a tear.

We’re very proud of her.

“It was an amazing night.

Hollie was treated like a princess. The celebrities congratulated her on being a worthy winner and an inspiration to others. Prince Harry was such a nice person. It wasn’t awkward at all. He chatted to everyone and it just made everyone smile.

“He also said Hollie looked beautiful in her dress.

“She said it was her prom dress and he said he’d never had a prom.