**Jourdan Dunn Urges Black Heritage Donors to Give Blood, Highlighting the Ongoing Need in the UK**
British supermodel Jourdan Dunn has taken a proactive stance in addressing the growing demand for blood donors of black heritage, making a personal blood donation and using her platform to encourage others to follow suit. The move comes as the NHS continues to call for thousands of new donors in an ongoing effort to support those affected by sickle cell disorder throughout the UK.
Dunn, who is known globally for gracing the runways of London, Paris and New York, visited the newest blood donation centre in Brixton, south London, to mark World Sickle Cell Day. As the mother of Riley, a teenager living with sickle cell disorder, Dunn’s advocacy carries a personal resonance. With approximately 13,000 people like her son relying on regular transfusions, the issue remains a pressing concern for the community.
Sickle cell disorder is currently the fastest-growing inherited blood condition in the UK, with the NHS noting a marked impact on black African and black Caribbean populations. Each year, around 250 babies are born in Britain with the disorder, and the numbers are showing no sign of slowing. Regular transfusions are crucial in managing the severe complications associated with sickle cell, but the effectiveness of these transfusions is heavily dependent on the blood type Ro — which is far more common in people of black heritage.
The NHS Blood and Transplant service (NHSBT) has estimated that, to meet the demand for compatible transfusions, at least 16,000 new black heritage blood donors are needed this year alone. Currently, 56% of black heritage donors have the Ro blood type, compared with just 2.4% among people from other backgrounds. This disparity underlines the critical importance of targeted donor recruitment.
Dunn, 34, speaking about her motivation, shared: “As a mother who has witnessed the challenges my son faces, I am determined to do my part to help not only him, but the thousands of others who depend on life-saving transfusions. By giving blood, we are providing the gift of health and hope.” She went on to stress that donating just a few times a year could save as many as 12 lives annually — a striking reminder of the individual impact each donor can make.
Support for blood donation efforts is growing, but the reality is that patient need continues to outpace donor recruitment. Mark Chambers, Director of Donor Experience at NHSBT, expressed gratitude for those who have already come forward, but reinforced the urgency of the situation. “The success we’ve seen so far is encouraging, but every year, each patient typically requires about 250 donations to manage their illness,” he explained. “The need for black heritage donors is more pressing than ever, and the ongoing engagement of donors will be pivotal.”
For those living with sickle cell, like Calvin Campbell, these donations are more than numbers — they represent the chance at a fulfilling life. Campbell shared, “Without regular transfusions, I would not have survived to experience family, work, or the milestones many take for granted. I owe my life to the kindness and generosity of those who donate.”
The NHS is making it easier than ever for people to register as donors, encouraging prospective volunteers to sign up via the NHSBT app, online at blood.co.uk, or by calling their dedicated helpline. As the call for donors gains traction, community leaders and public figures alike are urging people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to consider making this life-changing contribution.
In these ongoing efforts, Jourdan Dunn’s participation stands as both a beacon of hope and a rallying cry for action. As she and advocates continue to highlight this cause, attention is being brought not only to the medical necessity, but also to the powerful role ordinary people can play in saving lives within their own communities.
With an increasing number of patients in need, the message is clear: by taking just an hour three to four times a year, individuals can deliver extraordinary results. The NHS and campaigners like Dunn are hoping that this message will resonate, inspiring many more to step forward and roll up their sleeves for a cause that remains critical to the health and wellbeing of thousands across the country.