A midwife who was enjoying a sunny day out at a theme park with her family during the summer holidays noticed purple spots on her five-year-old daughter Heidi's back. They went to hospital that evening and were told to monitor the condition.
Over the next few days, rashes started to appear on Heidi’s neck and as a midwife, Lucy Howson knew there was something wrong. Her friend’s mum, a nurse, advised urgent care.
Heidi was admitted to Sheffield Children’s Hospital on a Saturday after an Emergency Department consultant there immediately recognised her symptoms. By Monday, Heidi’s bone marrow test confirmed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
24 hours after her diagnosis and eight days after the first signs, Heidi began intensive chemotherapy to save her life, reports YorkshireLive.
Heidi and her family went through the worst eight weeks of their lives as she became very ill. Lucy took six months off work to care for Heidi.
Heidi has regular surgery and has suffered hair loss, lethargy, mobility issues, speech problems and weight loss.
Heidi's life was turned upside down eight months ago by a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Image: Lucy Howson)
Heidi’s latest tests show that the treatment is working. Heidi is classed as ‘intermediate-high risk’. Her treatment will continue for two years.
As a thank you to Sheffield Children’s, Lucy and some of her fellow midwives at Rotherham Hospital are tackling The Children’s Hospital Charity’s Yorkshire Three Peaks on July 22, 2023.
Lucy said: “We want to give back as much as we can to Sheffield Children’s. I’m always up for a challenge so I’m ready to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks for such a good cause.
“Heidi’s a strong little girl and won’t give up even in the hardest times when she’s feeling poorly from treatment – she knows she has to be poorly to get better. She talks about her leukaemia in such a practical way and is always wanting to learn about her own care and treatment.
“Heidi loves being on Ward 6; the staff and playroom make the experience so much better especially in difficult times. Sheffield Children’s is a brilliant community of healthcare professionals and families. Without the support of wonderful families in similar situations, we wouldn’t know how to cope. We meet people from all walks of life in similar positions to us, all with a collective understanding of trying to navigate this horrible journey.
“We know Heidi will get better and even though she goes through so much, her prognosis is positive. We know the risk of relapse is always going to be there, but we’re thankful for her journey so far. You can’t put a value on a child’s life, and we’ll never stop fundraising as a thank you to everyone who’s supported us so far!”
Click here to donate to Team Heidi’s Yorkshire Three Peaks page.
