Appeal for blood donors

Image: ACLT

As we step into September, a month of change, reflection, and renewal, we are reminded of our shared calling to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. The African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT) is appealing to the Catholic community to respond to a vital and urgent need: blood donations to help treat patients living with sickle cell disorder.

Sickle cell disproportionately affects people from African and Caribbean backgrounds, yet there is a critical shortage of ethnically matched blood donors. Patients often require regular blood transfusions to manage the painful and life-threatening complications of this inherited condition. Without enough donors, lives are placed at risk.

The Catechism reminds us that charity is the highest form of love, and in this simple act, we can live out the Gospel commandment to "love your neighbour as yourself" (Mark 12:31).

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and the ACLT invites parish communities, schools, and faith groups to take action:

Learn about the urgent need for blood donors from African and Caribbean communities.
Register as a blood donor at your local blood service.
Share this message with family, friends, and your parish network.

By giving just one hour of your time, you can give someone the gift of many more years. Be inspired by the example of Christ, who poured out His life for us, and do the same for others in need.

For more information and to register, visit: www.aclt.org

NOTE: This Sunday, marking the canonisation of Bl Carlo Acutis, Fr Clive Lee, Parish Priest at St Thomas More's, Manor House, north London, who has leukaemia, will be taking part in the London Bridgathon Walk to raise funds for Haematology Cancer Care. If you'd like to make a donation or join Fr Clive on the walk, see: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/53104

(Fr Clive is also setting up a stem cell donor recruitment drive at St Thomas More's!)