This morning, I was pleased to donate blood once more.
On this occasion, my donation fell during the annual #BlackHistortyMonth and provides an important opportunity to echo the words of NHS Blood Donation.
There is an urgent need for more Blood and Organ donors of Black heritage to help save the lives of members of the BAME and wider community.
Sickle cell disorder can be life-threatening, causing extreme pain, stroke, organ failure and blindness. In some cases, it is only treatable with blood transfusions.
A patient may need 100 donors a year. Half of those transfusions are currently not the best possible match. About half of those with Black heritage have the blood types needed to treat patients with sickle cell disorder.
Black heritage patients in need of a transplant wait longer than other patients for a suitable match, especially for a kidney when a match is needed for organ and blood.
Let us celebrate and recognise the contributions made by all donors in saving and improving lives.
I join in encouraging all who are eligible to sign up today.
Donate today; save a life tomorrow.
