Heidi Needs You: Stem cell donor drive in aid of Sheffield nine-year-old where 10 minutes could save a life
It takes just 10 minutes to register as a stem cell donor and potentially save the life of a little girl in Sheffield by attending a donation drive this Sunday.
A Sheffield dance studio is asking “everyone who can” to turn out this weekend and register as a stem cell donor in a desperate search to find a match for nine-year-old Heidi Howson.
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It has only been 11 months since Heidi rang the bell at Sheffield Children’s Hospital after battling through 27 months of treatment for her leukaemia.
In that time, she got back to her old life, returned to school, and threw herself back into her dance lessons at Funky Dance Fever Studio in Richmond Park Road, where her teacher, Amy Burton, says she amazed everyone with how strong she was.
But now, Heidi faces a relapse.
In August 2025, the young dancer’s symptoms returned.
She is receiving treatment once again - but her best chance is if doctors can find a stem cell donor match.
Stem cell donor drive at Funky Dance Fever Studios on October 12
Now, Heidi’s dance studio is holding a drive this weekend to sign as many people up as a possible stem cell donor and maximise the chances of finding a match.
Visit Funky Dance Fever Studios, 130 Richmond Road, between 10am and 4pm on Sunday, October 12, where the sign up process is 10 minutes and could save a life.
Funky Dance Fever’s owner, Amy Burton, said: “She's a beautiful little girl, so sweet and very brave. We miss her so much and just want her to be better and back to doing the things she loves.”
The process, in partnership with UK blood cancer charity DKMS, is easy and involves answering a few questions on your phone and taking a swab of your cheek.
Only seven per cent of the population is registered as a stem cell donor and every new sign up increases the odds of finding a match for Heidi.
Anyone aged between 17 and 55 years old and in general good health can join the register.
The drive is also holding a raffle with proceeds going directly to Heidi’s family to support them through this challenging time.
For £1 a strip, buyers have a chance to win everything from tickets to the Autumn Lights fireworks display, £100 of meat vouchers for Murray & Websters, bottomless brunch for two at Mr Wilsons, a personalised signed boxing glove from Terri Harper, and much more.
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