By Don Campbell –
Plasma of Hope, a newly registered UK charity, held its official launch event at Walsall Central in June 2024. The event, organised by Marie-Claire Kofi, founder and CEO, drew significant attention and support from the local community, including the Mayor of Walsall. Attendees included many individuals affected by Sickle Cell Disease, who shared their moving testimonies about the constant pain and daily struggles they endure.
Marie-Claire Kofi established Plasma of Hope to support individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia, as well as those facing complications from these genetic blood disorders. The charity’s mission is to alleviate the daily challenges faced by sufferers and their carers, including difficulties in managing everyday tasks and coping with the condition’s impact on quality of life.
The charity focuses on several key areas, including helping patients avoid hospital admissions, which significantly impacts mental health. Plasma of Hope also runs awareness campaigns to educate the wider community about Sickle Cell Disease, aiming to influence societal understanding and foster a more inclusive environment.
Team members at Plasma of Hope Project Launch, Walsall Central Library, 19th June 2024.
Plasma of Hope operates across Walsall, Dudley, Wolverhampton, and Sandwell in the West Midlands. The charity advocates for individuals with genetic blood disorders and provides support for those affected by associated complications, including stroke and disability. The organisation also extends its support to carers and immediate family members.
In addition to local efforts, Marie-Claire Kofi recently participated in a roundtable discussion with Pfizer UK, addressing the challenges faced by individuals with Sickle Cell Disease.
July 2023, (centre) Marie-Claire Kofi, CEO Plasma of Hope, with MP for Lewisham, Janet Darby and Owen Marks, head of rare diseases, Pfizer UK
The charity is also running a Blood Donor Registration Campaign in partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). This campaign aims to increase the number of blood donors from African and Caribbean ethnic groups, as patients with Sickle Cell Disease often require regular blood transfusions. The unique Ro blood subtype, common among people of Black heritage, is in high demand, and one donation can save up to three lives.
Marie-Claire Kofi shared her personal journey and the motivation behind establishing Plasma of Hope. “Living with Sickle Cell has been challenging,” she said. “Through my own research, I’ve learned how to manage my condition better and wanted to share that knowledge with others. When I moved to Walsall, I saw a lack of awareness about Sickle Cell Disease, which led many to leave the area. This, combined with the community’s kindness and my desire to raise awareness, inspired me to create a formal support structure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many faced additional mental health challenges, and we became each other’s support. Thus, Plasma of Hope was officially registered on 13th August 2020.”
Children and parents enjoying Family Fun Day, Walsall, 10th August 2024.
To date, Plasma of Hope has supported over 700 individuals across the Black Country and Coventry. The charity has partnered with Pfizer UK, the University of Wolverhampton, Birmingham City University, Walsall College, and NHS Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust to provide education and raise awareness about Sickle Cell Disease and blood donation. For those in need of assistance managing Sickle Cell Disease or Thalassemia, Plasma of Hope offers support and advice. Contact them using the details below:
Plasma of Hope
Nash Dom Community Hun
Sun Street
Walsall
WS1 4AL
About Don Campbell:
Don Campbell is a proud veteran of the Royal Air Force who dedicates his time to serving as a role model and Community Ambassador. For further information about Don and his organisation ‘The Forgotten Generations’ please visit his website at https://theforgottengenerations.com
We appreciate your support, it really is invaluable, please share the article, and make sure to join the KLTV WhatsApp Community today!
Loading ...