Published: Tuesday 18th May 2021

Today, a new coalition of Black organisations have come together to launch blood donation campaign in memory of 21-year-old sickle cell patient Evan Nathan Smith.

Evan Nathan Smith died after being refused a timely blood transfusion, whilst in hospital. A recent coroner’s inquest concluded, had Evan who worked as a Sports Analyst, received the blood transfusion he had requested, his life may have been saved.

The campaign entitled, ‘United by Blood: Donating in memory of Evan Nathan Smith’ consists of three organisations, ACLT, Black Mums Upfront and CellFeForLife, supported by NHS Blood and Transplant.

The blood donor drive will take place on Saturday 19th June (World Sickle Cell Day) and Sunday 20th June (Father’s Day).

To register to donate blood and attend the United by Blood: Donating in memory of Evan Nathan Smith blood donation sessions, individuals should call the priority booking line on 0300 303 2737.

United by Blood donation sessions will take place at the below locations (dates and session times included):

Saturday 19th June – World Sickle Cell Day
• London, Westfield Shepherd’s Bush Donor Centre
• London, Westfield Stratford City Donor Centre
• London, West End Blood Donor Centre
• Manchester, Norfolk House Donor Centre
• Birmingham Blood Donor Centre, New Street
• Bristol Blood Donor Centre

Sunday 20th June – Father’s Day
• London, Tottenham Hotspur (Football) Stadium
• London, Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton

Orin Lewis OBE, ACLT Co-Founder and CEO said:
“The three organisations coming together which include ACLT, Black Mums Upfront and CellFeForLife, is an opportunity for the Black community to honour this young man’s name. Evan’s life was tragically lost; however, his name can live on, to help save the lives of others.

Donating blood is safe, only takes 10 minutes and can save up to three lives. Blood transfusions help to prevent or relieve the painful symptoms and complications of Sickle Cell, a disease which Evan had. There are 14,000 Sickle Cell patients in the UK, and it is the fastest growing blood disorder with 300 babies born each year.