DJ Ace from BBC 1Xtra helped kick off a blood donation drive at Westfield shopping centre on Saturday (9 December).
The event was hosted by the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust and the NHS – with Hammersmith & Fulham Council joining to encourage local Black residents to donate. DJ Ace has been supported by the Trust in his own battle with kidney failure.
More than 30 people donated blood while watching radio host DJ Ace perform alongside comedian Dane Baptise and singer Tamera. Forty seven people were also added to the stem cell register.
Cllr Ben Coleman, H&F Deputy Leader, said: “We encourage everyone who can give blood to give blood so a huge thank you to everyone who donated at Westfield. You have helped save lives and supported our NHS.”
How to give
The NHS has urgently called for more blood donors of Black heritage. A record 250 donations a day are now needed to treat sickle cell, the fastest growing genetic condition in the UK which affect a person’s red blood cells.
Westfield’s NHS Blood Bank is open seven days a week. Free parking for one hour is available for everyone donating blood.
The donation centre has hundreds of available slots between now and Christmas. They urgently need donors to come forward.
“Winter is always a challenge with cold weather, seasonal illnesses and busier diaries,” said Mark Chambers from the NHS Blood and Transplant service.
“We welcome anyone giving blood for the first time. If you don’t know your blood type, you’ll find out after donating. You might find you have the type that patients specially need.”
You can book an appointment or find more information on the NHS Blood and Transplant website or by calling 0300 123 23 23.
If you are new to blood donation and have questions, find out how to prepare to give blood and what happens when you donate.
