THE family of a Gawber youngster who died of terminal cancer last year have received a match-worn Sheffield Steelers’ jersey to continue their fundraising journey in his memory.
Oliver Howe, eight, was first diagnosed with cancer in September 2020 and, despite everything, always had a smile on his face.
After ringing the cancer treatment bell in 2021, the disease devastatingly returned later that year and he died on February 1, 2023.
His parents, David and Laura, vowed to continue his fundraising journey and are aiming to raise £100,000 for the Sheffield Children’s Hospital – after Oliver himself helped raised thousands for the site.
Oliver regularly attended the Sheffield Steelers games with his mum and dad.
Now, when David and Laura attend those games without Oliver, they remember those happy times and enjoy spending time with the community that brought them those cherished memories.
To support the fundraiser, player Robert Dowd has donated his match-worn Steelers jersey signed by the whole team which is now being raffled off to raise vital funds.
David said: “Oliver and Dowdy became good friends in recent years and Oliver would get regular visits from his Steelers hero.
“We couldn’t be more grateful to Dowdy and the rest of the team for this amazing donation.
“Oliver would be absolutely thrilled that this is happening! I know he’d be so excited that two important aspects of his life, the ice hockey community, and fundraising for Sheffield Children’s, have intertwined in his name.”
