Black Londoners urged to give blood for sickle

LONDON, England – Thousands of people living with sickle cell disorder in London are being urged to help raise awareness of the condition this month, while Black African and Black Caribbean communities are being encouraged to donate blood.

The appeal comes as NHS London marks Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September. New analysis shows that around 10,000 of the estimated 19,000 people with sickle cell disorder in the UK live in the capital.

Only 3 per cent of blood donors nationally are from Black communities. Yet people of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage are up to 10 times more likely to have the Ro blood type frequently needed for lifesaving transfusions for sickle cell patients.

The inherited condition causes red blood cells to become hard and sickle shaped, restricting blood flow and potentially causing severe pain, organ damage and other life threatening complications. Many patients require regular transfusions to remain well.

Karen Bonner, Chief Nurse for NHS London, said closely matched blood can significantly improve outcomes.

“Blood transfusions are often a lifeline,” she said, urging people from Black African and Black Caribbean communities to consider donating.

Taiwo Adeleke, who was diagnosed as a child, receives regular transfusions at University Hospital Lewisham’s Acute Sickle Cell Unit.

“Before I’m due for my blood exchange, I feel extremely weak and exhausted,” she said. “As soon as I’ve had my transfusion, I feel like a brand new person.”

The unit was established in January 2025 as one of 7 national pilot sites. Patients are currently seen in an average of 8 minutes, compared with the national target of 30 minutes.

Another patient, Shorna Besa, said the specialist service provides reassurance during a crisis because staff understand her condition and know her personally.

Besa is also encouraging people to learn whether they carry the sickle cell trait, particularly when considering future family planning.

“Understanding your sickle cell trait status gives you the knowledge to make informed choices about your future,” she said.

Michael David Lane Barns, Lead Advanced Clinical Practitioner in Haematology and Consultant Paramedic at Lewisham, said the unit was designed around what patients said they needed.

“Our patients told us what they needed: to be seen quickly, by people who understand their condition, and who know them by name,” he said.

He stressed that the service depends on a reliable supply of well matched blood and urged eligible people to donate.

People aged 17 and over who are generally fit and healthy may be eligible to give blood. For Londoners living with sickle cell disorder, increased donations could help ensure lifesaving transfusions remain available when needed.

#SickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #GiveBlood #BloodDonation #BlackHealth #BlackCaribbean #BlackAfrican #CaribbeanCommunity #SickleCellWarrior #CaribbeanCamera

  London england