Father and daughter launch book for sickle cell disease awareness

"The cold weather can make me very poorly when I play with my friends. My teacher helps me dress up really warm at playtime so I don't have a sickle cell crisis. These words are inspired by the real-life story of Angel Salami, a teenager from south London who has sickle cell disease. She was diagnosed at birth, while her father Kehinde only learned he had the condition when he experienced a sickle cell crisis at university in his 20."

"Sickle cell disease refers to a group of inherited conditions which cause red blood cells to be produced in unusual sickle or crescent shapes. These can block blood vessels, causing sickle cell crises. The cells do not live as long as healthy red blood cells. The disease can cause also anaemia and a risk of serious infection and complications including organ damage and strokes. It is a lifelong condition, but can be treated through medication and"

Angel Salami is a 13-year-old living with sickle cell disease who was diagnosed at birth. Her father, Kehinde, discovered his condition during his twenties after experiencing a sickle cell crisis at university. Sickle cell crises are painful episodes caused by blood vessel blockages from abnormally shaped red blood cells and can last up to a week. The condition shortens red blood cell lifespan, can cause anaemia, and increases risks of serious infection, organ damage and stroke. A children's awareness initiative portrays crises as main characters to encourage blood donation in Black communities. NHS Blood and Transplant commissioned distribution to Brixton primary schools and selected donor centres.

Read at www.bbc.com