News

Black heritage donors give blood to save lives

The NHS is calling for blood donations to help those with sickle cell, reports Neandra Etienne

A person donating blood
Blood donation session

A flash mob, featuring UK gospel choirs, kick-started the NHS appeal for Black heritage donors, near to the NHS Blood Donation Centre in Stratford. 

New figures released by NHS Blood and Transplant, marking Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, showed that last year, 210 donations of blood were needed each day for treating patients with sickle cell disease across England, with more than 75 percent needed by hospitals in London. 

Sickle cell, the UK’s fastest growing genetic disorder, is more common in people of Black heritage. Blood from donors of the same ethnicity provides the best treatment, but there is a shortage of Black heritage donors. 

Geraldine Parker-Smith, National Partnerships Manager for NHS Blood and Transplant, told Newham Voices: “Although there is a growing number of blood donors of Black heritage, we also have a growing number of patients with sickle cell. 

“Better matched blood reduces the risk of transfusion reactions which can cause serious complications so we call on the people of Black heritage in Newham to come forward and help us save more lives. 

“Giving blood is easy, quick and safe. By giving just one hour of your time, you can save up to three lives.” 

Arrange to donate at blood.co.uk, use the NHSGiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23. 

The East London Foundation Trust Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre, based in East Ham, offers specialist nursing services to anyone diagnosed with a major haemoglobinopathy condition. Get in touch on 020 8821 0800 or at elt-tr.sickleandthal@nhs.net


No news is bad news 

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts. 

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less. 

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation. 

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit 

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else. 

Donate now with Pay Pal

More information on supporting us monthly or annually 

More Information about donations