Anyone that knows me knows I have a (probably unhealthy) fear of anything that could be classed as 'adventurous'. And I do not do heights.

But all that is about to change.

On Sat 6th September I am going to step VERY FAR out of my comfort zone, and off the edge of the QMC roof. Don't worry, I haven't lost it (well...not yet, anyway) and I won't be alone. I'm joining the fab folks from Haemoglobinopathies and abseiling down the Queen’s Medical Centre to raise money for a new Haemoglobinopathy Creative Voices Project, amplifying the lived experiences of people with Sickle Cell and Thalassemia who receive care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

All and any pennies will be very gratefully received, and in return I promise to provide video evidence so you can see/hear my terror in all it's glory.

A bit about the project:

This new project is inspired by ‘No One Is Listening’, the All-Party Parliamentary report on Sickle Cell, directly responding to feedback from the Adult Haemoglobinopathy team and patients at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH), who have expressed feeling disempowered, misunderstood, and isolated. Sickle Cell and Thalassemia are chronically underfunded and under-researched conditions., both overwhelmingly affect people from the global majority and sadly many patients highlight the role of racism in their experiences. 

Using visual arts and creative writing, this project, co-designed by patients with Sickle Cell and Thalassemia, will help patients share their stories, improve awareness, and build stronger, more informed communities within the hospital and beyond.  We’re proud to be partnering with the team at New Art Exchange, in Hyson Green, who will host a month long exhibition of the patient’s work, as well help us share and promote ways we can all better support those with lifelong blood conditions.