It's a landmark for any child but for the 11-year-old and her family there is an additional significance to this stage of life - because of the serious health problems she's endured from birth.

Holly has osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) - an inherited form of osteoporosis discovered after she was born with a fractured arm and two breaks in her left leg.

During her early childhood Holly suffered from many fractures as her bones were so fragile.

But thanks to pioneering treatment at Sheffield Children's Hospital, Holly's bones have been strengthened and she's able to enjoy an active social life, swimming for the East Midlands, playing the violin and as a girl guide.

"The condition means that not only could she fracture a bone through doing nothing, but also the doctors think that she suffers from aches and pains in her bones," explained Holly's mother Lynne.

"Until Holly started treatment she was always quite cautious in her movements, rolling around but avoiding anything which might hurt or needed strength in her legs. She certainly had her bad days."

Thankfully, it has been four and a half years since Holly, originally from Beighton, Sheffield, but now living in Gainsborough has suffered a fracture.

Aged just two and a half years old she became one of the first children in the UK to receive a new drug treatment - part of groundbreaking trials at Sheffield Children's Hospital managed by Professor Nick Bishop, Professor of Paediatric Bone Disease.

For the first treatment, Holly was given two four-hour infusions of the drug Pamodrinate on successive days and Lynne said the difference in Holly astounded everyone who knew her.

"It was like having a new daughter for my husband Jim and I. The difference was just incredible. Holly was waking up in the morning feeling great."

Doctors broke the news to Lynne and her husband Jim that their daughter had OI when Holly was six months old.

Lynne said: "Since that time we were hoping there would be a breakthrough in the treatment available. The drug has brought the benefits we were looking for."

Holly is still careful and knows her limitations but she is a determined girl and she is now walking with just the aid of crutches which is a big step forward for her.

"She is a real busy bee, always out and about doing something.

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