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Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Steering Committee member

Deborah Davies

Chairperson- NHCO Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Steering Committee

My name is Deborah Davies, and I am a mother of three sons and two granddaughters. I have spent most of my life living in Hackney and have always been fascinated by the diverse and multicultural people living in the community.

I have Sickle Cell disorder, but this has not stopped me from working or volunteering in various organisations such as homeless outreach, CAP (Christians Against Poverty), Hackney Quest, St. Joseph Hospice, the Housing Sector, and Youth Work and Care Assistance posts. My work has given me opportunities to serve and show compassion to people, and I have built good connections with individuals. I enjoy encouraging and positively changing the lives of those around me.

Apart from working in various organisations, I am also a singer/songwriter, which helps me relax and reflect. I have experience in organising events and fundraising for charities and organisations. I understand that times have changed, but more can be done to improve our communities, schools, health care services, and local authorities. Specifically, I want to raise awareness regarding Sickle Cell disease in different communities. As the appointed Chairperson for the New Horizon Community Outreach Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Steering Committee, I aim to reach out to as many people as possible. We can make a difference with better understanding, change, and support in our communities

Shane Telemacque

Deputy Chair – NHCO Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Steering Committee

My name is Shane Telemacque, and I was born with sickle cell disease. Since 2020, when I decided to take control of my health, my journey has been enlightening. I now have clients who have noticed my positive changes and want to make similar improvements. I aim to enhance the quality of life of many people.

As the Deputy Chair of the NHCO Steering Committee, I am excited to collaborate with the Chairperson and my fellow committee members to take a leading role in our mission. Through our efforts, we will support new and experienced individuals battling this disease, whom we refer to as Warriors, and bring much-needed awareness to the general public about Sickle Cell and Thalassemia.

Ms. Funmilayo Ola-Adenekan

-Committee member (Registered Nurse Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust)
My name is Funmilayo Ola-Adenekan. I am a registered nurse at the Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and NHCO’s Sickle Cell and Thalasemia Ambassador. My mission is to raise awareness and support individuals affected by Sickle Cell disease, which perfectly aligns with NHCO’s values.

I am honoured to be a member of the Steering Committee, which will enable me to enhance further my commitment to ensuring the voices and needs of all warriors are heard.

My unwavering commitment to bridging gaps, advocating for equal healthcare access, and inspiring hope within the Sickle Cell community drives me. I am excited to work with the chairperson and other committee members to create a brighter future for all those impacted by this illness”.

Oloruntoyin Bello-Sanyaolu

Committee Member (Registered Nurse Homerton Hospital Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust).

My name is Oloruntoyin Bello-Sanyaolu. I am interested in serving on NHCO’s Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Steering Committee as one of its members. My passion for caring for all patients with these conditions and my extensive experience, knowledge, and clinical skills as a clinical nurse specialist have motivated me to be a committee member.

I work at Homerton Hospital, caring for sickle cell and thalassemia patients in the acute and community Setting. It brings me great joy to be part of the Steering committee, as my values of spreading awareness and offering assistance align with those of NHCO and the rest of the committee members. I enjoy the constant human interaction and the satisfaction I get from providing support and raising awareness, ultimately creating a positive outcome.

Joseph Osei-Assibey

Committee member

My name is Joseph Osei-Assibey. I am a sickle cell patient who has received treatment from NHS and Homerton Hospital throughout my life. I have studied IT and child care. I was a Hackney Sickle Cell Society group member and volunteered briefly for child care. I am currently looking after my two nephews and considering returning to work or education.

I have always been caring and have pursued various routes to help people. I am proud and honoured to be appointed by Ms Deborah Davis, the chairperson, as a member of the NHCO Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Steering Committee. Representing and having a voice for a worthy cause is extremely important. As a member, I will contribute to finding solutions for all sickle cell and thalassemia warriors.

Uzair Patel

Social Liaison Advisor at Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

My name is Uzair Patel, and I work as a Social Liaison Advisor at Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, specifically at the Sickle Cell & Thalassemia Centre. I am honoured and proud to be asked to serve on the NHCO Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Steering Committee.

Being part of this platform’s solution to a deadly illness is crucial in our mission to raise awareness of sickle cell and thalassemia disorder and provide support to as many sickle cell warriors as possible.

NHCO has done a brilliant job so far. As a committee member, I plan to continue working with the chairperson, Deputy chair and my fellow committee members to maintain the outstanding progress

Tokunbo Samuel

Committee member
My name is Tokunbo Samuel. I am a mother of three children, and I am 44 years old. I have sickle cell disease. I had two sisters who also had the condition, but my younger sister passed away at the age of 7 in 1993. Sickle cell disease has had a significant impact on my life, both positively and negatively. I have had frequent crises since the age of 6 months, occurring up to 10 times a year.
My formative years were a testament to the power of a strong support system, especially during my primary school days when I had to make frequent hospital visits due to my condition. Despite these interruptions, I was surrounded by a supportive environment that helped me adapt. Currently, I undergo exchange transfusions every ten weeks, providing a sense of stability that allows me to plan, spend time with my family, and travel without the constant fear of falling ill unexpectedly. A few years ago, in 2006, during a flight to Poland, I experienced a crisis while holding my three-month-old child. I had to inform the doctor on board about my sickle cell condition, and the plane had to be diverted with ambulances waiting on the runway. This incident, along with the constant unpredictability of my condition, led me to start regular transfusions in 2009, eventually moving on to exchange transfusions. My journey with sickle cell disease and its treatment has instilled in me a deep sense of advocacy. I am committed to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and supporting the sickle cell community. My dedication extends to all those affected, whether they are carriers or have a direct or indirect connection to this condition. My mission as an NHCO Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Committee member is to substantially impact the community by educating as many people as possible. My goal is to reduce the number of individuals born with this inherited genetic disorder, which can significantly affect their lives. I am committed to engaging, supporting, volunteering, and educating to improve the lives of those affected by sickle cell disease. I am excited about the opportunity to be part of the committee and look forward to contributing to future meetings and events.

We aim to work in partnership with organisations

that will give back to the community to assist our Sickle Cell warriors who are talented but fly under the radar.