This month I had the honour of attending the NHS Blood and Transplant Service Community Fun Day at the Church End & Roundwood Community Centre in Harlesden.
It was a great day that included fun for all the family including kids activities, the opportunity to find out your blood type, food and stalls as well as a DJ. Whilst this was a fun event it carried an absolutely crucial message; we need to promote and encourage blood donation amongst Black and Carribean communities. Due to the complex array of medical needs specific to this community and the prevalence of rare blood types, there is a need for 40,000 additional black blood donors. For example, a sickle cell patient alone needs donations from approximately 100 people a year!
If you can give blood, please do come forward and help save a life.
You can sign up online to become a donor at https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/.