Sickle cell disease (SCD), or sickle cell anaemia, is a
major genetic disease that affects most countries in the African Region. In
sickle cell disease, the normal round shape of red blood cells become like
crescent moons. Round red blood cells can move easily through the blood vessels
but sickled shaped cells interconnect and can result in blood clots.

These blood clots can cause extreme pain in the back, chest,
hands, and feet. The disrupted blood flow can also cause damage to bones, muscles,
and organs. People with sickle cell disease often feel weak, tired and look
pale. The whites of the eyes and skin often have a yellowish tint.

Environmental factors often play a role in the occurrence of
painful attacks. Common triggers include cold temperatures, dehydration,
excessive amounts of exercise and tobacco smoke. Other triggers such as plane
flights and high altitudes can also trigger an attack.

In the Region, the majority of children with the most severe
form of the disease die before the age of 5, usually from an infection or
severe blood loss. In countries such as Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Gabon,
Ghana and Nigeria the prevalence is between 20% to 30% while in some parts of
Uganda it is as high as 45%.

The Sickle Cell Society is the only national charity in the
UK that supports and represents people affected by a sickle cell disorder to
improve their overall quality of life.

First set up as a registered charity in 1979, the Sickle
Cell Society has been working alongside health care professionals, parents, and
people living with sickle cell to raise awareness of the disorder. The
Society’s aim is to support those living with sickle cell, empowering them to
achieve their full potential.

The Sickle Cell Society believes that individuals with
sickle cell have the right to quality care. This can only be achieved if
funding is made available to educate health carers and other professionals
about the condition. The Society aims to provide this.

The Society does not discriminate between the types of
sickle cell disorders, or the ethnic groups concerned. Both sexes are equally affected
and should have equal access to support and services within a confidential and
sensitive environment. We respect the views of every patient.

We have a network of committed volunteers, who play an
important part in running the charity, providing administrative backup, and
helping with fund-raising activities.

Donations from the public and fundraising activities are
also part of our life support. Without them, we would be unable to finance the
essential research and educational projects and we would be unable to offer
children a much-needed holiday. The Society benefits from the support of a wide
range of individuals and organisations nationally, who together play a vital
role in its success.

My mother has suffered with the disease throughout her life
and indeed her sister died in her mid-30's from complications caused by Sickle
Cell. Care for sufferers is not particularly accessible and investment in
treatment is disproportionately low, especially in low-income countries -
although access to treatment in the UK itself isn't without obstacles. Growing
up with a parent who suffers with SCD, I have seen first-hand the excruciating
pain this terrible disease causes, not to mention the wildly inconsistent
levels of care.

I'm going to be running for the best part of 24 hours
non-stop through the Snowdonia mountains - the pain I will experience pales in
comparison to what many Sickle Cell sufferers are subjected to on a daily
basis. Through completing this challenge, my hope is that I am able to shine a
light on this debilitating condition and provide some financial support to the
Sickle Cell Society in their endeavours to help SCD sufferers improve their
quality of life.