Latest news with #NationalBloodWeek
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Londoners urged to give blood with help from a classic Jamaican dish
With urgent calls for more Black heritage blood donors - a new initiative hopes to get more Londoners donating, one patty at a time While a Jamaican patty might not seem like a lifesaving tool, for thousands of Londoners, it could be the very reason they finally roll up their sleeves to donate blood. As part of a new campaign for National Blood Week, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has teamed up with Jamaican food brand Port Royal Patties. With demand for blood donations rising, the two have come up with a powerful way to spotlight the issue by printing QR codes on 180,000 patty wrappers. The 'food for thought' initiative aims to encourage more Londoners, especially those from Black Caribbean and Black African heritage, to donate blood. For many, blood isn't just needed - it's a lifeline. Jeannine Joseph, 28, knows this first hand. Diagnosed with sickle cell before birth, she receives eight units of blood every five and a half weeks to stay alive. 'If regular blood transfusions weren't an option for people with sickle cell, our lives would be unbearable,' she said. 'In May I was hospitalised for almost three weeks. My doctors couldn't get my crisis under control with pain meds. It wasn't until I had a blood transfusion that I instantly felt better and was able to go home.' That need is exactly what moved Port Royal's MD, Edward Johnston, to act. After stumbling across an NHSBT blood drive years ago, he learned about the urgent need for Black heritage donors and signed up himself. 'We're a London company with Jamaican heritage, and we believe it's vital to support initiatives that help the community thrive,' he said. 'I'm proud we're part of the drive to encourage more Black people to give blood. I hope other businesses follow our lead and support NHSBT's lifesaving work.' Black heritage donors are ten times more likely to have the Ro blood type - the one most needed to treat sickle cell patients and reduce the risk of complications. But despite this, they still only make up 2% of UK blood donors. Almost half of the country's 20,000 Black heritage donors are based in London, and numbers have been steadily rising since June 2024. But NHSBT still needs to recruit an extra 16,000 Black donors this year alone to keep up with demand. 'London's Black communities have stepped up in a big way,' said Iroro Agba, Assistant Director at NHSBT. 'But with sickle cell cases rising, we urgently need more people to come forward, especially those with the Ro blood type. If we can keep building partnerships and showing up in our communities, I'm confident we'll get there.' Wembley-based Port Royal's patties now carry NHSBT's 'Blood Saves Lives' message and a scannable QR code that links straight to the blood donation sign-up page - making it as easy as possible to get involved. Many people still hold back from donating whether it's down to fear of needles, not knowing they're eligible, or simply not realising how urgent the need really is. But NHSBT is working hard to challenge those misconceptions and make giving blood part of everyday community culture. And this campaign is far from a one-off. NHSBT continues to build a culture of blood donation through events, outreach, and partnerships that challenge misconceptions and raise awareness of health conditions that disproportionately impact the Black community. 'If you've got the Ro type, chances are your sibling or parent does too,' Iroro added. 'So why not go together? Bring a friend or family member - it takes just an hour and can truly change someone's life.'
Metro
a day ago
- Health
- Metro
Corrie star addresses hospital dash as she confirms underlying health issue
Former Coronation Street star Lucy-Jo Hudson has discussed her chronic anaemia diagnosis. The actress, 42, who played Katy Harris in the ITV soap between 2002 and 2005, took to Instagram to update her followers on a hospital dash that took place two years ago. 'Not my usual post,' she began, 'But with it being National Blood Week I wanted to share something with you.' '2 years ago I was rushed into A&E, I was constantly exhausted, running on empty, struggling to breath, low mood, really struggling in my overall mental and physical health, and I just put it down to the fast pace of 'life'. 'Because in today's world you're expected to be able to juggle it all right? And the daily stresses of being a working mum, and spinning a million plates is blumming stressful… but what I didn't realise is that the reason I was feeling all of this is because I had an underlying health issue… chronic anaemia.' The Wild at Heart star continued: 'Which meant I was in desperate need of a blood transfusion (hence why I got rushed to hospital). 'It turned out that my haemoglobin levels were that dangerously low I needed 2 transfusions and I was kept in hospital for a few days so they could keep on eye on my levels.' She went on to thank staff at Salford Royal Hospital in Greater Manchester, saying she felt she was 'in the best hands' with an 'unbelievable' doctor in the emergency department. Lucy-Jo then stressed the importance of being a blood donor. 'So I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to each and every one of you who donate blood! What you do is truly amazing' she added. 'I know from the NHS that just one of your donations can save up to 3 lives…. Mine included. 'Blood donations save lives every day, they are needed in emergencies, during operations, childbirth, in the treatment of cancer and sickle cell disease, the list is endless 'So this is a thankyou to those selflessly giving blood that helped me and thousands of other people who really needed it. And did you know that almost 1 million new donors are needed by 2027 to give blood? The stats are crazy right?' Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! Earlier this year the actress was reunited with her former Hollyoaks on-screen son Owen Warner as they filmed a new project – a short film he's penned called Goodbai. More Trending The two played mother and son Donna-Marie Quinn and Romeo Nightingale in the Channel 4 soap, first arriving in 2018. Lucy-Jo left the show in September 2023, when the character decided to depart the village for rehab, fearing that her addiction issues would destroy her relationship with her children. View More » Six months later, Owen made his exit – on horseback (yes, really) – after escaping prison on a murder charge. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: ITV responds to claims that Coronation Street and Emmerdale will merge MORE: TV soap star Chris Robinson dies aged 86 MORE: Coronation Street legends who played iconic duo reunite in new snap
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Coronation Street star rushed to A&E for urgent blood transfusion after struggling to breathe
In her candid post she made sure to urge her followers to do one vital thing that will help hundreds of people up and down the country HOSPITAL DASH Coronation Street star rushed to A&E for urgent blood transfusion after struggling to breathe Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A CORONATION Street star has revealed her health issue after she was rushed to A&E for an urgent blood transfusion. Struggling to breathe two years ago, Lucy-Jo Hudson, 42, was rushed to hospital before being diagnosed with chronic anaemia. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Lucy Jo Hudson spoke out on social media about her hospital dash in 2023 Credit: instagram/@lucyjo_hudson 6 She is known for starring in soaps such as Corrie and Hollyoaks Credit: Getty 6 She has urged her fans to give blood Credit: Instagram 6 She played Katy Harris in Corrie Credit: Rex Features Taking to Instagram on Tuesday night, the former Corrie star, who played Katy Harris in the hit ITV soap, shared a photo of her in a hospital bed. "Not my usual post," Lucy-Jo penned in the caption. She then said: "But with it being National Blood Week I wanted to share something with you." Opening up about her hospital dash, Lucy-Jo explained: "2 years ago I was rushed into A&E. "I was constantly exhausted, running on empty, struggling to breath, low mood, really struggling in my overall mental and physical health, and I just put it down to the fast pace of life. "Because in today's world you're expected to be able to juggle it all right? "And the daily stresses of being a working mum, and spinning a million plates is blumming stressful….." She then added: "But what I didn't realise is that the reason I was feeling all of this is because I had an underlying health issue…. Chronic Anaemia." Lucy-Jo then revealed that this meant she was "in desperate need of a blood transfusion". Going into even more detail, she said: "It turned out that my haemoglobin levels were that dangerously low I needed 2 transfusions and I was kept in hospital for a few days so they could keep on eye on my levels." Hollyoaks star Lucy-Jo Hudson stunned as she lands new acting job Speaking about the medical team that treated her, Lucy praised the staff at Salford Royal Hospital and gushed over how "amazing" they were. "I really felt I was in the best hands, especially Dr Rob Jackson, he was unbelievable and I'll always be so grateful to him and his team in the A&E department," she said. Lucy-Jo then thanked everyone who donates blood, saying: "I know from the NHS that just one of your donations can save up to 3 lives.... Mine included." She went on: "Blood donations save lives every day, they are needed in emergencies, during operations, childbirth, in the treatment of cancer and sickle cell disease, the list is endless. What is Anaemia? According to the NHS, Anaemia is a common condition "where the number of red blood cells or the amount of haemoglobin in red blood cells is less than normal". Symptoms of Aneamia: Fatigue/tiredness Shortness of breath Dizziness Fast heartbeat or sensation of the heart beating in the chest (palpitations) Pounding or 'ringing' in your ears Headache Cold hands or feet Pale or yellow skin Chest pain Lack of concentration Sore tongue or mouth ulcers Irritability Source: NHS "So this is a thank you to those selflessly giving blood that helped me and thousands of other people who really needed it." Fans were quick to show support for the former soap star in the comments section. One person wrote: "Oh bless you, how awful!! So glad you okay now." Another said: "Holy hell!! So glad you're ok now Lucy. And this is an amazing post!" While a third penned: "The NHS does an amazing job & is never given any the praise it deserves, I'm glad you're ok xx." And a fourth added: "Wonderful to share LucyJo! So glad you are doing so well! Xxx." 6 Fans have flocked to support Lucy-Jo Credit: Channel 4
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Coronation Street star rushed to A&E for urgent blood transfusion after struggling to breathe
A CORONATION Street star has revealed her health issue after she was rushed to A&E for an urgent blood transfusion. Struggling to breathe two years ago, 6 Lucy Jo Hudson spoke out on social media about her hospital dash in 2023 Credit: instagram/@lucyjo_hudson 6 She is known for starring in soaps such as Corrie and Hollyoaks Credit: Getty 6 She has urged her fans to give blood Credit: Instagram 6 She played Katy Harris in Corrie Credit: Rex Features Taking to Instagram on Tuesday night, the former Corrie star, who played Katy Harris in the hit ITV soap, shared a photo of her in a hospital bed. "Not my usual post," Lucy-Jo penned in the caption. She then said: "But with it being National Blood Week I wanted to share something with you." Opening up about her hospital dash, Lucy-Jo explained: "2 years ago I was rushed into A&E. Read More about Lucy Jo "I was constantly exhausted, running on empty, struggling to breath, low mood, really struggling in my overall mental and physical health, and I just put it down to the fast pace of life. "Because in today's world you're expected to be able to juggle it all right? "And the daily stresses of being a working mum, and spinning a million plates is blumming stressful….." She then added: "But what I didn't realise is that the reason I was feeling all of this is because I had an underlying health issue…. Chronic Anaemia." Most read in TV Lucy-Jo then revealed that this meant she was "in desperate need of a blood transfusion". Going into even more detail, she said: "It turned out that my haemoglobin levels were that dangerously low I needed 2 transfusions and I was kept in hospital for a few days so they could keep on eye on my levels." Hollyoaks star Lucy-Jo Hudson stunned as she lands new acting job Speaking about the medical team that treated her, Lucy praised the staff at Salford Royal Hospital and gushed over how "amazing" they were. "I really felt I was in the best hands, especially Dr Rob Jackson, he was unbelievable and I'll always be so grateful to him and his team in the A&E department," she said. Lucy-Jo then thanked everyone who donates blood, saying: "I know from the NHS that just one of your donations can save up to 3 lives.... Mine included." She went on: "Blood donations save lives every day, they are needed in emergencies, during operations, childbirth, in the treatment of cancer and sickle cell disease, the list is endless. What is Anaemia? According to the NHS, Anaemia is a common condition "where the number of red blood cells or the amount of haemoglobin in red blood cells is less than normal". Symptoms of Aneamia: Fatigue/tiredness Shortness of breath Dizziness Fast heartbeat or sensation of the heart beating in the chest (palpitations) Pounding or 'ringing' in your ears Headache Cold hands or feet Pale or yellow skin Chest pain Lack of concentration Sore tongue or mouth ulcers Irritability Source: "So this is a thank you to those selflessly giving blood that helped me and thousands of other people who really needed it." Fans were quick to show support for the former soap star in the comments section. One person wrote: "Oh bless you, how awful!! So glad you okay now." Another said: "Holy hell!! So glad you're ok now Lucy. And this is an amazing post!" While a third penned: "The NHS does an amazing job & is never given any the praise it deserves, I'm glad you're ok xx." And a fourth added: "Wonderful to share LucyJo! So glad you are doing so well! Xxx." 6 Fans have flocked to support Lucy-Jo Credit: Channel 4 6 Lucy-Jo is often candid on social media Credit: Getty
