Latest news with #SickleCellSociety
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Love Island hunk opens up on devastating family tragedy that saw fit and healthy cousin die ‘out of the blue'
The star reflected on the sad loss of his cousin at a young age tragic loss Love Island hunk opens up on devastating family tragedy that saw fit and healthy cousin die 'out of the blue' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A LOVE Island hunk has revealed a devastating family tragedy which saw his fit and healthy cousin die 'out of the blue'. Konnor Ewudzi, 29, entered ITV2 dating show last year - but he failed to find a meaningful connection. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Love Island hunk Konnor Ewudzi opened up about a devastating family loss Credit: @ninety6ix _ Sickle Cell Society 5 Konnor's family has been affected by sickle cell disease Credit: @ninety6ix _ Sickle Cell Society 5 The star's family tragically lost a relative at a young age Credit: @ninety6ix _ Sickle Cell Society Konnor revealed how his "whole family impacted by sickle cell disorder - sickle cell." This is a genetic condition affecting the red blood cells. He shared: 'My cousin, Alexander was born with sickle cell. He died at just 28, out of the blue. "He had just graduated from Cambridge University as an architect. "He was not sick or suffering any long term illnesses – his organs just gave up one day. "It is so sad that this can rob us of such beautiful lives at such young ages. "Testing is so key. And blood giving even more so.' People born with sickle cell have two parents carrying the "trait" - hence why such importance is placed on testing. The cells develop into a crescent shape and can cause blockages of the blood vessels. In turn, this can lead to pain and potential organ damage. Love Island fans spot secret feud between two boys after 'snakey move' Konnor added: 'For me, I am on one of the lucky ones. My Dad (Godfrey) carries the trait, so does my Sister Billie-May. "My Mum Siobhan is mixed race, and she didn't carry the trait, which is why I am so fortunate. "But my Auntie Freda, Uncle Richard and late Cousin Alexander, were not so lucky. "They suffered terribly growing up, with hospital visits and blood transfusions required to help them with their pain and suffering.' His dad, Godfrey, added: 'Seeing the way it has affected Freda, my Brother Richard and the sad loss of my late nephew, Alexander, is just heartbreaking. We just want to help more people avoid what we went through if possible.' Konnor assembled his close family for a photo shoot at Abbey Wood estate - a filming location for superhero drama Supacell. The Netflix programme follows a group of five ordinary black people - united by a family history of sickle cell disease. Regarding the show, Konnor said: "The series did an amazing job of highlighting the condition to the public, but there is so much more people need to know." He continued 'One blood unit or donation which takes 20 mins can help up to three patients – so it really is an incredibly easy way to help sickle cell sufferers. "There are blood donation centres all over the UK so we are hoping the numbers go up after sharing our personal stories.' WHAT IS SICKLE CELL DISEASE? SICKLE cell disease is a genetic condition that prevents red blood cells from developing properly. The cells can become abnormally shaped and die quicker than healthy blood cells, raising the risk of clots or blood vessel blockages. Most people live normal lives with the condition but it can trigger flare-ups called sickle cell crises, when symptoms become painful and may lead to complications. Signs include: Dizziness Pain Tiredness and weakness Headaches Shortness of breath Patients with sickle cell disorders are also at higher risk of infections, anaemia (low blood iron), gallstones, stroke, high blood pressure and kidney problems. There is no definitive cure for sickle cell disease and many patients require treatment throughout their lives. An estimated 15,000 people in England have it and it is more common in black people. John James OBE, Chief Executive of the Sickle Cell Society said: 'Sickle cell disorder is the UK's fastest growing genetic condition, but people living with it still face too much silence and too little support. "That's why we're asking people to 'Tell It Loud' this World Sickle Cell Day — by sharing their story, giving blood, and getting MPs to support better employment rights for people living with the condition. "We're so grateful to Konnor for sharing his story and helping us shine a light on sickle cell and the urgent need for more action, more awareness and more black heritage blood donors.' For more information on Sickle Cell, head to 5 Konnor starred in last year's Love Island Credit: Rex
The Irish Sun
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Love Island hunk opens up on devastating family tragedy that saw fit and healthy cousin die ‘out of the blue'
A LOVE Island hunk has revealed a devastating family tragedy which saw his fit and healthy cousin die 'out of the blue'. Konnor Ewudzi, 29, entered ITV2 dating show 5 Love Island hunk Konnor Ewudzi opened up about a devastating family loss Credit: @ninety6ix _ Sickle Cell Society 5 Konnor's family has been affected by sickle cell disease Credit: @ninety6ix _ Sickle Cell Society 5 The star's family tragically lost a relative at a young age Credit: @ninety6ix _ Sickle Cell Society Konnor revealed how his "whole family This is a genetic condition affecting the red blood cells. He shared: 'My cousin, Alexander was born with sickle cell. He died at just 28, out of the blue. "He had just graduated from Cambridge University as an architect. Read more on Love Island "He was not sick or suffering any long term illnesses – his organs just gave up one day. "It is so sad that this can rob us of such beautiful lives at such young ages. "Testing is so key. And blood giving even more so.' People born with sickle cell have two parents carrying the "trait" - hence why such importance is placed on testing. Most read in Love Island The cells develop into a crescent shape and can cause blockages of the blood vessels. In turn, this can lead to pain and potential organ damage. Love Island fans spot secret feud between two boys after 'snakey move' Konnor added: 'For me, I am on one of the lucky ones. My Dad (Godfrey) carries the trait, so does my Sister Billie-May. "My Mum Siobhan is mixed race , and she didn't carry the trait, which is why I am so fortunate. "But my Auntie Freda, Uncle Richard and late Cousin Alexander, were not so lucky. "They suffered terribly growing up, with hospital visits and blood transfusions required to help them with their pain and suffering.' His dad, Godfrey, added: 'Seeing the way it has affected Freda, my Brother Richard and the sad loss of my late nephew, Alexander, is just heartbreaking. We just want to help more people avoid what we went through if possible.' Konnor assembled his close family for a photo shoot at Abbey Wood estate - a filming location for superhero drama Supacell. The Netflix programme follows a group of five ordinary black people - united by a family history of sickle cell disease. Regarding the show, Konnor said: "The series did an amazing job of highlighting the condition to the public, but there is so much more people need to know." He continued 'One blood unit or donation which takes 20 mins can help up to three patients – so it really is an incredibly easy way to help sickle cell sufferers. "There are blood donation centres all over the UK so we are hoping the numbers go up after sharing our personal stories.' WHAT IS SICKLE CELL DISEASE? SICKLE cell disease is a genetic condition that prevents red blood cells from developing properly. The cells can become abnormally shaped and die quicker than healthy blood cells, raising the risk of clots or blood vessel blockages. Most people live normal lives with the condition but it can trigger flare-ups called sickle cell crises, when symptoms become painful and may lead to complications. Signs include: Dizziness Pain Tiredness and weakness Headaches Shortness of breath Patients with sickle cell disorders are also at higher risk of infections, anaemia (low blood iron), gallstones, stroke, high blood pressure and kidney problems. There is no definitive cure for sickle cell disease and many patients require treatment throughout their lives. An estimated 15,000 people in England have it and it is more common in black people. John James OBE, Chief Executive of the Sickle Cell Society said: 'Sickle cell disorder is the UK's fastest growing genetic condition, but people living with it still face too much silence and too little support. "That's why we're asking people to 'Tell It Loud' this World Sickle Cell Day — by sharing their story, giving blood, and getting MPs to support better employment rights for people living with the condition. "We're so grateful to Konnor for sharing his story and helping us shine a light on sickle cell and the urgent need for more action, more awareness and more black heritage blood donors.' For more information on Sickle Cell, head to 5 Konnor starred in last year's Love Island Credit: Rex 5 He entered as a bombshell but was later dumped from the villa Credit: Rex
ITV News
22-04-2025
- Health
- ITV News
London Ambulance service report finds ‘poor care' for Sickle cell patients
People with an inherited blood disorder have actively avoided seeking ambulance care because of past negative experiences, according to a report commissioned by London Ambulance Service (LAS). Findings of a research project carried out by the Sickle Cell Society into sickle cell patients' experiences of ambulance care and 999 and 111 calls in London, revealed that many patients had negative experiences, some historic and some recent, with LAS, which have affected their confidence in the service. There are around 17,500 people with sickle cell disease in the UK. It is particularly common in people with an African or Caribbean family background. Symptoms can include very severe pain, serious and life-threatening infections and anaemia. The research found some of the key themes of those who detailed negative experiences included lack of appropriate pain relief, inconsistent care, having to answer too many questions while in acute pain, and not feeling listened to or respected. Other themes arising included insufficient priority and slow attendance, not being taken to a preferred hospital and issues with handover from LAS to emergency departments. A joint written submission from four individuals who had also sought the views of peers - one sickle cell patient, two parents of young adults with sickle cell, and one widow of a sickle cell patient - stated: 'There is a general consensus that the majority of people spoken to are very reluctant to call the ambulance service unless it is the only and last resort and the pain is so bad they have no excuse but to go hospital. 'This is for numerous reasons: fear of not receiving appropriate pain medication en route, not being listened to in terms of what their needs are and perception of being seen as a drug-seeking individual.' They added that sickle cell patients' views of LAS were often 'marred by past performance'. The report's recommendations include the LAS routinely involving sickle cell patients in training for its staff and ensuring that staff have a basic understanding of the sickle cell disorder. LAS said it had developed an action plan to improve care for patients with sickle cell disease, including more detailed training for all frontline clinicians and improving the use of pain relief. Dr Fenella Wrigley, chief medical officer at the ambulance service, said: 'While we have made improvements, I fully recognise that we need to continue to support the needs of patients with sickle cell disorder and ensure that they feel listened to. 'Our emergency call handlers and ambulance crews are frequently the first contact with the NHS for patients experiencing a sickle cell crisis and it's vital that we can advocate for them. 'We are committed to delivering outstanding urgent and emergency care for everyone who lives in our city. In a modern ambulance service this means delivering more personalised care for our patients including sickle cell patients.' John James, chief executive of the Sickle Cell Society, said: 'This report is crystal clear in its framing of the huge challenges faced by sickle cell patients in London, when they are at their most vulnerable. 'It is indefensible that people with a serious and life-threatening health condition are receiving poor care, delays and unhelpful attitudes from ambulance staff. 'We welcome LAS commissioning this report, and their commitment to the development of an action plan to address its recommendations. It is essential that this leads to real, lasting change.'
The Independent
22-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Sickle cell patients have faced ‘poor care' from ambulance staff
People with an inherited blood disorder have actively avoided seeking ambulance care because of past negative experiences, according to a report. Findings of a research project – commissioned by London Ambulance Service (LAS) NHS Trust and carried out by the Sickle Cell Society – into sickle cell patients' experiences of ambulance care and 999 and 111 calls in London revealed that many patients had negative experiences, some historic and some recent, with LAS, which have affected their confidence in the service. The research found some of the key themes of those who detailed negative experiences included lack of appropriate pain relief, inconsistent care, having to answer too many questions while in acute pain, and not feeling listened to or respected. Other themes arising included insufficient priority and slow attendance, not being taken to a preferred hospital and issues with handover from LAS to emergency departments. A joint written submission from four individuals (one sickle cell patient, two parents of young adults with sickle cell, and one widow of a sickle cell patient), who had also sought the views of peers, stated: 'There is a general consensus that the majority of people spoken to are very reluctant to call the ambulance service unless it is the only and last resort and the pain is so bad they have no excuse but to go hospital. 'This is for numerous reasons: fear of not receiving appropriate pain medication en route, not being listened to in terms of what their needs are and perception of being seen as a drug-seeking individual.' They added that sickle cell patients' views of LAS were often 'marred by past performance'. The report's recommendations include the LAS routinely involving sickle cell patients in training for its staff and ensuring that staff have a basic understanding of the sickle cell disorder. John James, chief executive of the Sickle Cell Society, said: 'This report is crystal clear in its framing of the huge challenges faced by sickle cell patients in London, when they are at their most vulnerable. 'It is indefensible that people with a serious and life-threatening health condition are receiving poor care, delays and unhelpful attitudes from ambulance staff. 'We welcome LAS commissioning this report, and their commitment to the development of an action plan to address its recommendations. It is essential that this leads to real, lasting change.' There are around 17,500 people with sickle cell disease in the UK. It is particularly common in people with an African or Caribbean family background. Symptoms can include very severe pain, serious and life-threatening infections and anaemia.
