Why give blood?

The need for blood transfusions is common among sickle cell patients. Regular blood transfusions aid in reducing and preventing a serious pain crisis. However, it is vital for most sickle patients, that they receive blood from a donor who is of the same ethnic background.

Why do we need more BME donors?

The Ro blood subtype is prevalent in sickle cell patients, but there is a discrepancy between the quantity of Ro blood we currently collect, and demand for RO blood from hospitals.

People of African and Caribbean heritage are 10 times more likely to have the RO subtype. However, it can be challenging to meet demand because only 2% of donors have this rare subtype. This means that blood from Black donors is essential to saving and enhancing the lives of people with sickle cell disease in the UK.