"Her kindness and warmth touched so many": Tributes after death of young Doncaster dancer
Emotional tributes have been paid to a young Doncaster dancer described as full of “kindness and warmth” following her death after a battle with a brain tumour.
Emotional tributes have been paid to a young Doncaster dancer described as full of “kindness and warmth” following her death after a battle with a brain tumour.
Seven year-old Sofia Michnea was diagnosed with the cancer last year - and a fundraiser set up for her family raised more than £20,000.
A spokesperson for the Clark School of Dance, where Sofia was a pupil, shared on social media: “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of one of our pupils, Sofia.
“Sofia was a talented and much loved member of our dance family, remembered for her bright smile and the way she was always there with a hug for anyone who needed one.
“Her kindness and warmth touched so many, and she will be deeply missed by us all.
“Our thoughts are with Sofia’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”
Another tribute said: “Sofia, you filled our studio with love amd energy with your infectious smile and just the best hugs/
“A loving caring friend to everyone.
“You couldn’t stop dancing even when it was your time to have a break - there you were at the back of the studio doing your own choreography.
“Such a beautiful girl - you are going to be missed so much and I’m proud to have met you and have you my life for such a short while.It was worth every minute. Fly high angel.”
A fundraising page set up for Sofia said her “nightmare” began on Halloween evening.
Family member Adrian Moldovan, who organised the funder for mum Ioana Michnea said: “While she was out trick-or-treating with her mum and little brother, she suddenly began to feel dizzy and weak.
“She was rushed to A&E, where a CT scan showed something deeply worrying, doctors suspected a stroke or a brain tumour.
“The following day, Sofia was transferred to Sheffield Children’s Hospital, where an MRI scan sadly confirmed everyone’s worst fear; a rare tumour on her brain.
She was described as “a bright and exceptional little girl who loves dancing - her bedroom is full of medals and trophies she’s proudly won,” added Adrian.