Father and daughter launch book for sickle cell disease awareness

Angel Salami, a teenager with sickle cell disease, and her father Kehinde launched "My Blood, Your Blood" to raise awareness about the condition and promote blood donations within black communities. The book, which tells their personal story, was unveiled at Van Gogh Primary School in Brixton, where Kehinde expressed pride in Angel's efforts to educate others. Sickle cell disease leads to painful crises and affects around 15,000 people in England, with a high concentration in South London. The disease is particularly common among individuals of Black African or Caribbean descent, as their ancestors developed sickle-shaped cells to combat malaria. Angel manages her condition through medication and has experienced severe crises needing blood transfusions.

Blood donations are crucial for patients like Angel, who may require blood from up to 100 donors each year. The NHS Blood and Transplant organization stresses the need for more black heritage donors, as their blood types are often more compatible with patients. Angel and Kehinde hope their story inspires others to understand blood disorders and consider donating to save lives.