Plasma of Hope, a charity supporting individuals with genetic blood disorders, organised events to highlight the critical need for ethnically matched blood types. These conditions, such as sickle cell and thalassemia, disproportionately affect people of African and Caribbean heritage, making donor diversity essential.
Staff from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) were present to check donor eligibility and help people book appointments. Marie-Claire Kofi, Founder and CEO of Plasma of Hope, expressed enthusiasm for the engagement, stating, “Every conversation matters!”
Positive feedback was received from attendees, with one visitor commenting, “I feel great to be helping the community today by registering to donate blood.” Around 19,000 people in the UK live with sickle cell and rely on regular transfusions.
The initiative resulted in 31 new blood donor registrations, nine of whom were of Black heritage. These donations have the potential to save or improve up to 75 adult lives and 150 infant lives.
Kerry Bentley, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT), which supported the events alongside Walsall Healthcare, noted the significance of the timing with Black History Month 2026. "While the national campaign is largely about celebrating Black history, culture and achievement, it is also a chance to take positive action for the future," Bentley said.
Andrew Haill, Community Engagement Co-ordinator at NHSBT, encouraged further sign-ups, assuring potential donors that the process is safe and straightforward, with trained staff available to help alleviate any nervousness.
