Darent Valley Hospital proudly hosted a highly successful Sickle Cell Awareness End of Year Event on Sunday 7 December, bringing together more than 150 attendees, including patients, families, and multidisciplinary staff. The event highlighted the Trust’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness and supporting individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease. We were honoured to welcome Jeremy Kite, Chancellor of Dartford Borough Council, whose presence underscored the strong civic and community backing for this important work.
Supported by Valley Hospital Charity, the event was organised by the Trust’s Paediatric Sickle Cell Team, led by Dr Suresh Kumar, and provided a valuable opportunity for service users and families to engage directly with clinical teams. Events like this have a significant psychosocial impact, offering a space to connect, access information in a relaxed setting, and feel supported by the Trust. Families expressed how valuable it was to discuss treatment, wellbeing, education, and daily challenges directly with professionals, helping to reduce isolation and build confidence.
This engagement also strengthens trust in the hospital’s services, enhances patient experience, and supports staff in better understanding lived experiences outside the clinic environment.
Alero Omaghomi, Lead Paediatric Haemoglobinopathy Clinical Nurse Specialist said: “This event was a fantastic opportunity to bring families, patients, and professionals together in a supportive space. The engagement we saw highlights how vital it is to understand not just the medical needs of those living with sickle cell, but also the social and emotional challenges they face. We’re proud to build a community where families feel heard, supported, and empowered.”
Grace Bolaji, Parent Support Leader added:
“Raising awareness through events like this helps everyone not just those directly affected by Sickle Cell disease to learn, connect and take part in building a culture of empathy.”
Sally George, Head of Fundraising said: "We are so grateful to receive this kind support, particularly to recognise our patients groups where there is often little public awareness of the conditions. Events like these help enhance patient care, and provide a holistic approach to living with sickle cell, supporting the young patient and their families."
The Trust would like to congratulate and thank our teams for all the hard work and commitment involved in organising such a successful event.
The Trust would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors including Papa Johns Pizza Gravesend, Tasty’s African Food, Asda Greenhithe, Masters Pharma, Airglove Medical Ltd, and Roald Dahl. Any organisations or companies interested in supporting future events are kindly invited to contact Valley Hospital Charity via dgn-tr.fundraising@nhs.net