Regularly reminded

A photograph of Chiamaka and her sister Somto hangs proudly on the freshly painted walls of the new donor centre in Brixton, south London.

Having signed up to give blood at her university Fresher’s Fayre back in 2018 while studying medicine, Chiamaka soon found her understanding of the importance of donated blood cemented.

Now qualified as a doctor, Chiamaka works on an obstetrics and gynaecology ward and says she sees the lifesaving effects of blood transfusions directly.

“I have never minded needles and knew donating blood was a good thing to do so didn’t hesitate when I was asked to sign up,” she says. “Through my studies and work I am regularly reminded of the need and understand why blood donors are so vital.

“I have also discovered that I have the Ro subtype which is especially important in helping people with sickle cell disorder. A close family friend has sickle cell so that encourages me to donate as often as I can.”

Sickle cell is a life-threatening genetic condition that causes red blood cells to become sickle-shaped. These cells can stick together and block blood vessels, leading to episodes of extreme pain, known as crises, and other health complications.

It is the fastest growing inherited blood disorder in the UK and is commonly treated with red blood cell exchanges, which replace a patient’s red blood cells with those from donors. Patients receiving these exchanges need to be given closely-matched blood.

Chiamaka’s Ro subtype is relatively common in people of Black heritage, who sickle cell mainly affects. However, just 2% of current blood donors have this lifesaving subtype.

“I have encouraged all my family to sign up to donate,” says Chiamaka, who gave blood for the 14th time on the opening day of Brixton Donor Centre. “My sister, Somtolise and brothers, Chukwuzulum and Chiweta, as well as our mother, have all become blood donors.

“We all have the Ro blood subtype. It’s nice to know we are all able to do something to help people living with sickle cell.”

Chiamaka and Somto’s photograph is part of a ‘hero wall’ at Brixton, which features inspirational stories of local young Black blood donors and residents whose lives have been saved by donations. The new centre was developed in collaboration with community leaders and local creatives, businesses and residents.

“I hope more people in Brixton start to donate blood at the new centre, I know more young donors are needed to come forward.

“The thought of not having enough blood to treat patients is scary, there is no alternative.”