London’s Black African and Black Caribbean communities are being urged to give blood as new analysis shows that there are thousands of sickle cell patients living in the capital.

Just 3% of donors nationally are from Black communities, yet people of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage are up to ten times more likely to have the Ro blood type required by many sickle cell patients for lifesaving transfusions.

As NHS London marks Sickle Cell Awareness Month this September, three Londoners with the condition are sharing their stories to encourage more people to donate.

Sickle cell disorder is the fastest-growing genetic condition in the UK, affecting approximately 19,000 people. Around 10,000 sickle cell patients are based in London, home to some of the largest Black communities in the country. 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 Black Caribbean communities, to consider giving blood this September. It really can be the difference between life and death.”

Taiwo Adeleke, who was diagnosed with sickle cell disorder as a child, relies on regular transfusions and the specialist care at University Hospital Lewisham’s Acute Sickle Cell Unit (ASCU).

She said: “Before I’m due for my blood exchange, I feel extremely weak and exhausted. 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.”

Located in one of the largest sickle cell communities in the UK, University Hospital Lewisham’s Acute Sickle Cell Unit was established as one of seven national pilot sites in January 2025. Patients are seen in an average of just eight minutes, well within the national 30-minute target.

Shorna Besa, who lives in London, praised the unit: “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.” 

Shorna is also encouraging people to learn their sickle cell trait status and understand what it could mean for future family planning.

She said: “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.” 

Michael David Lane Barns Lead Advanced Clinical Practitioner in Haematology and Consultant Paramedic University Hospital Lewisham said: “The Acute Sickle Cell Unit at Lewisham exists because our patients told us what they needed: to be seen quickly, by people who understand their condition, and who know them by name. Since we opened in January 2025, we’ve delivered that every hour of every day — 24 hours, 7 days a week — with patients seen in an average of just eight minutes, well inside the 30-minute national standard, and now the gold-standard across the NHS.

“Our team are specialists in sickle cell disease, and many of our patients have built the kind of relationship with them that means they’re not just receiving treatment, they’re being cared for by people who are genuinely invested in their wellbeing. None of what we do would be possible without safe, well-matched blood being available when our patients need it, which is why encouraging more donations from Black African and Black Caribbean communities this September matters so much. I would encourage anyone who is able to donate blood to come forward and do so. This will allow us to continue to be there for our patients whenever they need us.”

People aged 17 and over who are generally fit and healthy may be eligible to donate. For Londoners living with sickle cell disorder, a donation can be lifesaving.

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