Brent Sickle Cell Society sets up community service for sufferers

A Neasden woman with sickle cell disorder who has suffered multiple strokes has hailed Brent’s first ever community service set up to help those with the illness.

Moji Alawiye is from Neasden - Credit: Archant

Moji Alawiye is one of 450 people living in Brent with a sickle cell disorder experiencing symptoms of joint and chest pains and strokes due to her condition.

Brent Sickle Cell Society in Station Road, Harlesden, has set up a service giving advice and support to sufferers and their families so they can better manage their condition, as complications can be dangerous.

The 50-year-old said: “I’ve had four strokes. The first experience was rather frightening and extremely tiring. Although a stroke is usually associated with older people, due to our condition, we have the added bonuses of sustaining other conditions which can be potentially fatal, triggering complication with our sickle disorders.

“My advice to local people with sickle cell disorders is to use this new service. We have expressed a need for something like this and Brent CCG has listened.

“Now is the time to take greater control of our lives and utilise the services to our benefit as we continue to work together to be recognised and valued as community members.”

In Britain there are between 12,500 and 15,000 people with sickle cell disorders and it is most common in people of African or Caribbean descent. It may also occur in people from an Indian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern or Eastern Mediterranean background.

Your GP can refer you to the service or you can do it yourself by contacting comfort.ndive@sicklecellsociety.org or 020 8961 7795.