At just 11 and 12 years old, Romily and Harriet are preparing to take to the world stage, competing in the All-Star Cheerleading World Championships in Orlando this April, but just a few years ago, both were facing significant health challenges.
When Romily was four, she was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and began treatment at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. She underwent major surgery in November 2019 to rebuild her hip.
Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip socket is too shallow to fully support the top of the thigh bone, leading to instability or dislocation.
Following her operation, Romily spent over a week in hospital, was bed-bound for two months, and then relied on a wheelchair as she began intensive physiotherapy and slowly learnt to walk again.
Harriet’s journey has been different, but equally challenging. She was diagnosed with Behçet’s Syndrome at the age of seven. Behçet’s Syndrome a condition that causes inflammation in the body, including arthritis, leading to joint pain and stiffness among other symptoms.
She attends Alder Hey’s Medical Day Unit weekly for treatment, having started methotrexate injections in July 2025, and is now preparing to begin adalimumab.
Despite everything they have faced, both girls have found strength, confidence and joy through cheerleading.
Romily and Harriet are part of the Start Spirit Cheer and Dance, where they have developed their skills and built strong friendships. Romily and Harriet both compete with Poison Ivy International Under 14 Level 1 and Anarchy International U14 Level 2, and Harriet also dances in U14 Jazz and Lyrical and has trained with the club since the age of seven.
Their dedication and determination have paid off. Last year, their team earned a place at the Cheerleading World Championships, which is a prestigious international competition held annually in Orlando, Florida, where only teams awarded a bid through competition can take part.
The support they have received from Alder Hey has played a crucial role in helping them continue to do what they love.
Alder Hey means everything to me as they made me better and I just want to do Alder Hey proud!”
Romily
Harriet said: “I’m so grateful for the support I get at the hospital. The care is amazing and so are the staff. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to do the things I love.”
Romily has been so inspired by her experience that she now says she would love to become a doctor one day, to help other children in the same way she was helped. Well done to both Romily and Harriet, good luck in Orlando!