New figures released by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), to mark Sickle Cell Awareness Month, show that last year (2023-24) 210 donations of blood were needed each day for treating patients with sickle cell disease across England, with over three quarters of this blood 160 units needed by hospitals in London.
With blood stocks significantly impacted over the past few months, and with an Amber Alert still in place, sickle cell patients are amongst those patients most reliant on blood being available when they need it.
To kickstart the appeal, a flashmob made up of members of Melodees from Heaven and B positive choirs will be popping up in key parts of London throughout September, highlighting the urgent need for more people of Black heritage to come forward and give blood.
Sickle cell is the UK’s fastest growing genetic disorder. It is more common in people of Black heritage and blood from donors of the same ethnicity provides the best treatment. But the shortage of Black heritage donors means sickle cell patients do not always get the best matched blood they need.
Many people with sickle cell need the specific blood sub type Ro. Fifty six per cent of blood donors of Black heritage have the much needed Ro subtype compared with just 2.4 percent of donors from other ethnicities.
Sickle cell causes red blood cells to form into sickle or crescent shapes and become stuck in blood vessels, causing episodes of severe pain known as crises, as well as serious or even fatal complications including organ damage and strokes.
Many sickle cell patients rely on regular blood transfusions or full blood exchanges to proactively manage their symptoms, while others are given transfusions as an emergency treatment. A single patient receiving regular full blood exchanges can require blood from up to 100 donors each year*.
Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE of Premier Gospel, who are coming together in collaboration with NHS Blood and Transplant to set up the flashmob activity, says: “Many adults, children and young people living with sickle cell are only alive thanks to the amazing donors who donate the blood they need to stay alive and to help reduce painful crises.
“By bringing the members of our choir together in this way, and drawing attention to the need for more donors, we hope that we will inspire even more people to step up and give blood and ultimately save more lives.”
Geraldine Parker-Smith, National Partnerships Manager for NHS Blood and Transplant, says: “Although there is a growing number of blood donors of Black heritage, we also have a growing number of patients with sickle cell, in need of blood transfusions. “Having blood that is better matched is critical for patients with sickle cell. It reduces the risk of transfusion reactions which can cause serious complications. “Giving blood is easy, quick and safe. By giving just one hour of your time, you can save up to three lives with every donation.”
The first flashmob performance took place at the weekend in Stratford and another performance will follow later this month outside London’s Festival Hall, Southbank, when the Choir performs as part of the Premier Gospel Awards.
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