Sickle cell disorder causes red blood cells to become hard and ‘sickle-shaped’, restricting blood glow and causing severe pain
Black Londoners are being urged to give “lifesaving” blood for sickle cell patients in a fresh drive for donations. Just three per cent of donors nationally are Black, according to the NHS, yet people of Black African and Caribbean heritage are 10 times more likely to have the Ro blood type required by sickle cell patients for transfusions.
The disorder is the fastest-growing genetic condition in the UK, affecting 10,000 people in London and 19,000 across the UK. The condition causes red blood cells to become hard and sickle-shaped, blocking blood flow and causing severe pain, organ damage and life-threatening complications.
Taiwo Adeleke, who was diagnosed with the disorder as a child, relies on regular transfusions from University Hospital Lewisham’s Acute Sickle Cell Unit established in January 2025.
“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 is so important, it’s a lifesaver. Since it opened, I’ve not had a long admission.”
The Lewisham site is situated in one of Britain’s largest sickle cell communities, and is one of seven sites nationwide. Praising the unit and encouraging people to donate blood, Shorna Besa said: “I’m confident that if I have a crisis, I can go there and they’ll see me quickly and support me, not just clinically but socially and emotionally too.
“The staff have built a rapport with me. I’m not seeing different people all the time and they’re specifically trained to support people with sickle cell. That’s what makes the difference.
“Understanding your sickle cell trait status gives you the knowledge to make informed choices about your future. Genetic testing can help people understand whether they carry the trait, what it could mean for family planning, and how to reduce the risk of passing sickle cell on to their children.”
People aged 17 and over who are generally fit and healthy may be eligible to donate.
Karen Bonner, Chief Nurse for the NHS in London, said: “Sickle cell disorder can have a profound impact on every part of a person’s life, and blood transfusions are often a lifeline.
“The best outcomes depend on closely matched blood, and Black heritage donors are much more likely to have the blood types many sickle cell patients need. I’d urge anyone, especially those from Black African and Black Caribbean communities, to consider giving blood this September. It really can be the difference between life and death.”
To check eligibility and book an appointment, visit my.blood.co.uk.
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