A blood donor has been chosen as the spokesperson for a national initiative to recognize and inspire more blood donors of African descent.
Blood donation "was the most worthwhile thing I have ever done," Bristol resident Torkwase Holmes said as the NHS campaign got underway.
A 20-foot (6-meter) high mural in London's Stockwell Hall of Fame features her and four other blood donors.
It was made by street artist Dreph and is timed to National Blood Week.
Nothing is more satisfying than helping save someone's life, Ms. Holmes, 60, said, especially for those in her community who have sickle cell and thalassemia. ".
Black African and Black Caribbean donors are at an "all-time high" in the south-west, according to NHS Blood and Transplant, but the need is still urgent.
Nearly 950 people of African descent gave blood regularly in the region in the year leading up to April, and a record-breaking 325 people gave blood for the first time.
It is wonderful that more people of African descent than ever are saving lives by giving blood, according to Dr. Jo Farrar, CEO of NHS Blood and Transplant.
However, in order to provide sickle cell patients with the best care, we urgently need more regular black heritage donors. ".
According to NHS Blood and Transplant, sickle cell disease is more common in people of African descent, and the best treatment is blood from a donor of the same race.
The NHS is reportedly short on blood from individuals of the same ethnicity, so some patients are given the universal O-negative blood type, which is clinically safe but carries significant health risks.
In the long run, finding blood that they can receive could become even more difficult, the spokesperson continued.
Dr. Farrar pleaded with people to become a part of "our amazing team of Giving Types.".
In just one hour, you can save up to three lives by donating blood, she continued.
To meet the rising demand for blood that is ethnically matched, the NHS needs 12,000 additional donors of Black heritage.
Up until Friday, it is National Blood Week.
