It began during a family day out at Gulliver’s Valley, a theme park near their home. Heidi’s mum, Lucy, noticed unusual purple spots on her back. Later that evening, Lucy and Ryan, Heidi’s dad, brought her to the Emergency Department at Sheffield Children’s.
Back home, Heidi continued to be her cheerful, playful self, despite the spots. But when rashes appeared on her neck in the following days, Lucy, who is a midwife at Rotherham Hospital, knew something wasn’t right. Encouraged by a friend who is a nurse, the family sought urgent care.
At Sheffield Children’s, an experienced consultant quickly recognised the signs, and Heidi was admitted. Her diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia came soon after. Just 24 hours later, she began intensive chemotherapy, beginning a challenging journey for her and her family.
The early weeks were tough. Heidi became very ill and spent her birthday on the sofa surrounded by friends and family. Lucy took six months off work to care for her, while Ryan balanced his farming work with family life.
Despite everything, Heidi faced each day with courage. Lucy said: “Heidi’s a strong little girl. She understands that treatment makes her feel poorly, but she knows it’s helping her get better. She’s curious about her care and always wants to learn.”
Heidi’s treatment included regular visits to theatre, and she experienced physical and emotional changes, from hair loss to fatigue and mobility challenges. But she was supported every step of the way by Sheffield Children’s Haemotology and Oncology ward, which was transformed thanks to £2.75 million raised by supporters of Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.
The ward now provides a more comforting, child-friendly environment for patients and their families.
Lucy said: “The staff and the playroom at Sheffield Children’s make such a difference during the toughest days.”
Heidi was also supported by a wider team including physiotherapists, dieticians, speech and language therapists, ENT specialists, and dentists.
In 2024, Heidi was given the all-clear, but unfortunately in 2025, she relapsed, meaning the leukaemia had returned.
Heidi received specialist treatment once again and thankfully, in February 2026, she got the news that she’s once again cancer free!
Lucy says: “Sheffield Children’s is a brilliant community of professionals and families. Without the support of other families in similar situations, we wouldn’t know how to cope. Meeting others who understand this journey has been invaluable.”
In gratitude for the care Heidi has received, Heidi and Lucy created Team Heidi, a group of incredible fundraisers made up of their family and friends, who have been supporting Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.
Over the years, Team Heidi has taken on a wide range of fundraising challenges to support us, helping to fund life-changing care, comfort and new ideas that make all the difference for patients and families at Sheffield Children’s.
Alongside her fundraising, she has also spoken openly about her experiences to raise awareness and inspire others, using her voice to support children facing similar journeys.
In 2024, we were delighted to present her with the International Impact Award at our awards – a brand-new category that year which recognised the incredible impact that Heidi’s fundraising and advocacy has had, stretching far beyond the boundaries of Sheffield to reach people nationally and internationally.
In February 2026, Heidi’s achievements were honoured again when she was named Sheffield Young Hero at the prestigious Lord Mayor Awards, after being nominated by our charity.
The awards, led by Cllr Safiya Saeed, Sheffield’s Lord Mayor, recognise individuals and groups whose exceptional contributions have strengthened the city’s communities, culture and quality of life.
The Sheffield Young Hero category celebrates young people who have made an outstanding contribution to their communities, often in the face of personal challenges. Heidi was shortlisted in recognition of her exceptional fundraising efforts, advocacy and courage through illness.
Heidi’s mum, Lucy, said: “We are so unbelievably proud of her. Throughout everything, she has always been the beating heart of Team Heidi, and I believe this girl will continue to do great things now and always.
“You can’t put a value on a child’s life. We’ll never stop fundraising to thank everyone who has supported us.”
