A flashmob by Premier Gospel has joined the NHS in calling for more Black blood donors. Blood donations are needed to treat patients with sickle cell disease, and Black donors are most likely to have the right blood type needed.

The flashmob is made up of members of Melodees from Heaven and B positive choirs, and will pop up around London throughout September, encouraging people to give blood. They will also perform at the Premier Gospel Awards outside London’s festival Hall, Southbank on 21st September. 

Sickle cell is the UK’s fastest-growing genetic disorder. Figures released by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) to mark Sickle Cell Awareness Month reveal that 210 donations of blood were needed each day to treat patients with sickle cell disease across England, with over three-quarters of this blood – 160 units – needed by hospitals in London (2023/24).

The disorder causes red blood cells to form into sickle or crescent shapes and become lodged in blood vessels, which can lead to episodes of severe pain known as crises, as well as serious or even fatal complications including organ damage and strokes. Many rely on regular blood transfusions. A single patient receiving regular full blood exchanges can require blood from up to 100 donors each year.

Sickle cell is most common in people of Black heritage, and transfusions require the blood type Ro. Ro blood is found in 56% of Black heritage blood donors, but just 2.4% of all other donors.

Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE of Premier Gospel, said: “Many adults, children and young people living with sickle cell are only alive thanks to the amazing donors who donate the blood they need to stay alive and to help reduce painful crises.

“By bringing the members of our choir together in this way, and drawing attention to the need for more donors, we hope that we will inspire even more people to step up and give blood and ultimately save more lives.”