UK talent converge to raise awareness of sickle cell and thalassemia in Tottenham

Tackling sickle cell anaemia and Beta thalassemia major in Britain’s black populations is the focus of a new awareness drive in Tottenham, London on Saturday 6 August.

The MyTurn event is organised by digital media company FinalTouch Ents. The showcase will bring together established and emerging fashion and musical talent to support awareness of these genetic blood disorders and raise funds.

The event is inspired by Ama Djemil, one of the three founders of FinalTouch Ents, whose 13-year-old daughter suffers from sickle cell anaemia.

The event is hosted by soul singer OmarTKIF, Emily Blake, who is the 2016 Europe Ambassador of United Nations, and MC Prekese. The event includes performances designed to showcase talent from the UK and the diaspora. Activities include a fashion show from design company 101 Clothing, musical performances, a barbecue and more.

Proceeds from this ticketed event will go to the Sickle Cell Society.

In Britain, sickle cell anaemia is estimated to affect more than 15,000 adults and children and is most common in people of African descent, according to data from the Society. The disorder affects the haemoglobin in red blood cells, making the haemoglobin sickle-shaped which affects the movement of oxygen throughout the body. Whereas normal red blood cells can bend easily, sickle haemoglobin can stick together when the oxygen is released and this can make cells rigid and sickle-shaped. The Society estimates that around 350 babies are born with the condition annually.

In the case of Beta thalassaemia major, people cannot make normal red blood cells and do not produce enough haemoglobin, which can lead to severe anaemia. As a result, this can affect growth, bone deformities and reduced levels of energy.

Djemil hopes that the success of the event will spur more in the future. “We plan to make this a biannual event – one in the summer and one in the winter,” she said.

Saturday’s event starts from 3pm to 2am at musical and arts venue TChances 399 High Road, Tottenham, N17 6QN. Tickets cost £10 at the door. The event includes sponsorship from UK-based online money transfer service payafrique.com

For more information on the event, contact 08443571271/ 07411399045 or email admin@finaltouchuk.com.

To learn more about PayAfrique.com’s online services, please visit www.payafrique.comor contact Stanley Blankson Jnr on (0044)2036039025; (0044)7966483330.