The NHS is asking more members of London’s black communities to come forward to donate blood, to assist the thousands of sickle cell patients living in the capital.

Give blood: close to half of the country’s patients with sickle cell live in London, which is why the NHS needs more blood donors from the black communities

Nationally, just 3% of blood donors are black, yet people of black African and Caribbean heritage are up to 10 times more likely to have the Ro blood type required by many sickle cell patients for lifesaving transfusions.

Sickle cell disorder is the fastest-growing genetic condition in Britain, affecting almost 20,000 people – half of those living in London.

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.

Many patients rely on regular transfusions to stay well.

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 Caribbean communities, to consider giving blood. It really can be the difference between life and death.”

People aged 17 and over who are generally fit and healthy may be eligible to donate.

To check eligibility and book an appointment, visit my.blood.co.uk

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

• • For more information, visit the website here

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