Kentish Express Ashford & District
Louise has Star quality
An inspirational girl with a lifelimiting brain condition has been recognised by squash’s national governing body.
Louise Hollamby, 12, who has a condition called pachygyria, has defied the odds to become involved in sessions at Biddenden Squash Club, based near Ashford.
Having been involved for more than three years with the club, she was recently given the 2021 Rising Star Award by England Squash.
Mum Nicola was naturally delighted to see Louise win.
She said: “It’s brilliant, it’s fantastic. We were just really amazed!
“She has got so many problems - her hand-eye coordination is not good at all and her communication is not brilliant.
“We had been going up to the squash club because my son plays football up on the football field. One day, she said ‘I want to do that’. I said ‘What, squash?’
“I said to the coaches that I didn’t know if she could do it but they said they had an open day she could come along to. She went to the open day and wanted to get involved straight away. I said she needed to be at the very, very beginning.
“But she has gone from not being able to stop or hit the ball to actually rallying with people! It’s fantastic how the club has accommodated her.”
Pachygyria is a condition which affects all aspects of Louise’s body.
She has no spatial awareness and no danger awareness while her hand-eye coordination is put to the test everyday. Some days, she uses her hands to eat as she can’t find her mouth with a fork. Since the Covid pandemic, her anxiety levels have gone through the roof as well.
But on the squash court, it’s a totally different story.
“We were just absolutely amazed, I was just so pleased,” said Nicola on her reaction to finding out Louise had won the England Squash award.
“It just goes to show there’s opportunities for other children like her. I had reservations that she would not be able to do it but it’s gone the other way with people saying what an inspiration she is.
“She just has fun and enjoys what she is doing.”
Louise’s award has even been given the thumbs up by former world No.1 Laura Massaro, who sent a message on Instagram.
“Congratulations Louise on winning the England Squash Rising Star of the Year award,” she said. “It is thoroughly deserved, it was such a strong category and your story really stood out.
“You’re an inspiration to all those around you. Keep being a shining star, well done!”
Louise is now able to participate in group sessions without having to be guided.
Nicola praised coach Tom Swain and the other members at the club who play with her daughter.
“They have had so much patience,” she commented as she pointed out squash sessions have improved Louise’s communication skills, social skills and fitness levels.
“There’s times when I have thought ‘She is not listening or not doing this’ but actually - even though she is in her own little world - she is listening.
“Tom, her coach, actually used sign language to communicate with her first off. Now, he understands almost straight away what she wants.
“The children are so accommodating as well. It’s brilliant.”