Watch video of Sheffield girl with leukaemia making heart-wrenching plea as she fights for life

Heidi Howson from Orgreave was diagnosed with acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia in August, two weeks before her sixth birthday, after her parents noticed purple marks suddenly appearing on her neck.

She will be in hospital over Christmas for chemotherapy, which so far has caused side effects including speech and mobility issues, hair loss, lethargy and weight loss.

Her mum Lucy said: “She is like most six year old girls, she is happy, funny, and independent. She knows her own mind. We have a rough month ahead but Santa will find her wherever she is.”

She said her optimistic daughter is determined to beat the disease.

“She talks to nurses, and draws them pictures, and even tells them what they should and shouldn't be doing. There is no plan B, she will get better,” said Lucy.

To help Heidi and her family as they deal with the little girl’s condition, a raffle is to be held this Saturday (November 26), with over 100 prizes up for grabs.

The raffle at Dragon Fitness has been organised by owner Jacqui Thompson-Sheppard.

Heidi’s mum said: “Going to that gym a few times a week is my sanity. Jacqui has been amazing, she has kept the raffle going. All of a sudden so much money has been raised, and all Heidi wants to do is go to Flamingo Land - she's very modest.”

A trip to Disney may be planned but for now Heidi has her heart set on Flamingo Land in Yorkshire.

The list of prizes up for grabs on Saturday includes a two-night stay at a Derbyshire Airbnb, personal training sessions, professionally made cakes, Meadowhall vouchers, Amazon vouchers and a kayaking session.

Ryan, Heidi's dad, is a farmer and was only able to take a few weeks off work after her diagnosis. Lucy, who works as a midwife in Rotherham, has taken six months off work and a dip in income as a result.

The raffle will help support the family.

Lucy said: “We are quite stubborn, me and Ryan, and didn't want to do anything to raise money. But Jacqui had this idea and people do just want to help. People get to win things, and it helps promote businesses, so I don't feel so bad for just taking.”

Heidi's classmates at St Joseph's Primary also did a rally-round to raise some money.

Lucy said: "She isn't at school, so isn't seeing her friends. We have tried to have some socially distanced interaction when she can.

“We have made friends at the hospital, too. It is like a little family - one that nobody wants to be in, but we are there to support each other. It's important to have people who understand.”

Heidi has been classified as high-risk due to some genetics, and needs to have more chemotherapy drugs than some of the other children, which can be a lot harsher, and were “brutal” on her at first, her mum explained.

Heidi has a high risk of relapse and needing a bone marrow transplant, but has a good chance of surviving after an expected two years of treatment.

She is planning to draw some of the tickets herself at the raffle, which can be bought for £2 each on Facebook from Lucy or Jacqui directly.