BRITAIN'S first-ever NFL cheerleader has told of her heartache at losing her mum to cancer before she hit the big time.
Holly Warden, 26, who lives in Florida, opened up about her hero mum Judy – who made her dancing dream possible – and revealed her sadness at how she's not around to see her success.
Mum Judy died from pancreatic cancer aged just 55 – 18 months before her daughter became the first Brit to join Miami Dolphins last year.
Heartbroken Holly told The Mirror: “Mum always pushed me to do what I loved. She took on extra work to pay for more lessons.
"She was driving me backwards and forwards to classes, making sacrifices to pay for them. She was incredible – and loads of fun.”
Holly revealed her devoted mum had a number of jobs from hospital management to administration and even a magician's assistant – all to support her daughter's ambition.
Holly joined the squad Miami Dolphins last September after beating 200 other dancers during a search across the globe.
The Brit beat competitors from Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, the US and Mexico – where Holly auditioned – to land the job.
MOST READ IN NEWS
MAJOR SHOCK New evidence about chief Maddie suspect leaves investigators 'shocked'
'Sadistic' girl, 16, 'laughed as she tortured a doctor to death in park'
Runaway bus packed with kids nearly hits woman before 'brake fail' crash
Tributes to mum killed by ex as driver who run over knifeman praised as hero
Holly was born and raised in Congresbury – a village of just 3,500 people.
But she is listed on the Dolphins' website as being from Bristol, England.
She got her big break in the NFL after taking part in high-profile shoots including one for the James Bond film Spectre.
Holly's dream to become a cheerleader came about after watching the film Bring it On.
Revealing her gruelling training, she told The Mirror: "It’s incredibly tough, just like a being in the army. This is our basic training. Practise normally lasts three hours and we do it three to four times a week.
“Before boot camp we have to run two miles in under 18 minutes after circuit training with press-ups and sit-ups, sprints and agility tests.
“It’s kind of a competition. If you can’t do the fitness things you won’t be able to get through a game.”
Source: Read Full Article