Schoolgirl with incurable condition punches her way to podium

Honey-Jo Hamar was born with neutropenia — an abnormally low level of white blood cells which are important for fighting off infections.

She also suffered from very acute high temperatures, above 40C, and was physically very weak.

Her symptoms were diagnosed as joint hypermobility syndrome — a condition without a cure which leaves Honey in severe pain on a daily basis and makes tasks such as holding a pencil incredibly difficult.

For people living with the condition, high impact activity is discouraged in favour of gentle low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling to help build strength gradually.

But determined Honey-Jo, who lives with her parents in Greenbank Road, Radcliffe, has set her sights on pursuing kickboxing.

She said:" I want to do this for other children."

And her mum Joanne Hamar said her decision to join Bolton-based North West Warriors Martial Arts and Fitness Center eight months ago has "changed her life".

"She always wants to go back and do more", Mrs Hamar said. "Her muscles are in excruciating pain but the pain doesn’t deter her".

And her commitment to training twice weekly saw her power her way to podium position at a national kickboxing competition on Sunday, October 30.

Honey-Jo competed in the mixed ability 25kg weight class at the Ippon Challenge 2018, held at the Richard Dunn sports centre in Bradford, where she fought against girls in higher grades and sparred her way to become the silver champion for her age range.

Trainer Paul Smith said: "

At the age of two, Honey began to develop walking difficulties, and so her parents brought physiotherapists on board.

The increased pliability in Honey's joints leaves her in severe pain and makes movement and coordination very challenging. So much so that she was unable to ride a bike and struggled to hold a pencil.

The Christ Church Ainsworth C of E Primary School pupils receives support with her handwriting from an occupational therapist (OT) and is also under a senior paediatric therapist and a consultant from Royal Bolton Hospital.

Besides pain relief, the main treatment for Honey is improving her muscle strength and fitness through various exercises so that her joints are protected.

Mrs Hamar, aged 43, said: "Everyone has been fantastic with her. The club is training her and strengthening her through a programme of exercised, supported footwork and posture. They are treating her like a normal person. It has been life-changing for her.

"Honey-Jo has had access to hospital since birth.Previously, she could not ride a bike or hop. She had to wear special shoes to walk.

"She is a very active child and has done so well in her training that she can now ride a bike. She is really strengthening."

"She did a tremendous job."

Honey competed in the Ipon Challenge where she Honey has been training 3-4 times a week at North West Warriors Martial Arts & Fitness Center in Bolton, Paul Smith Honey’s trainer said: “Honey is a bright and happy girl who is very committed to the sport and achieving her goals. Honey has been training with NW warriors since January and has progressed quicker than anyone expected”.

After training sessions, she is in extreme pain. Joanne Honey-Jo’s mother said: “

Honey was diagnosed at two years old and despite the severe pain she suffers Honey wants to encourage other young people with disabilities to take up sport and not let their disability hold them back and keep them indoors. Joanne, honey’s mother explained that the training has helped with her mobility. After the tournament NW warriors have promoted Honey to the ASGUK Warriors team and she is looking forward to her next tournament.

Notes:

Request not to publish faces of other children some images may need cropping.

competition on Sunday, September 30.

World Karate and Kickboxing Commission (WKKC) England is one of the leading Organisations in the UK for Sports Martial Arts and each year take a team of 100+ people to the WKC World Championships

Honey-Jo from Radcliffe won silver at the Ippon Challenge last weekend despite suffering from severe Joint Hyper Mobility.

Honey competed in the Ippon Challenge where she competed in the mixed ability 25kg weight class where she fought against more experienced girls, before winning silver in the 6 and under category.

Honey has been training 3-4 times a week at North West Warriors Martial Arts & Fitness Center in Bolton.

Trainer Paul Smith said: “Honey is a bright and happy girl who is very committed to the sport and achieving her goals. Honey has been training with NW warriors since January and has progressed quicker than anyone expected”.

After training sessions, she is in extreme pain. Joanne Honey-Jo’s mother said: “She always wants to go back and do more, the pain doesn’t deter her”.

Honey was diagnosed at two years old and despite the severe pain she suffers Honey wants to encourage other young people with disabilities to take up sport and not let their disability hold them back and keep them indoors. Joanne, honey’s mother explained that the training has helped with her mobility. After the tournament NW warriors have promoted Honey to the ASGUK Warriors team and she is looking forward to her next tournament.

Notes:

Request not to publish faces of other children some images may need cropping.